The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 608

Charles's heart clenched so hard it almost stopped, his vision swimming. The pain was so sharp, he could barely breathe-his mind just went blank.

A blaring horn jolted him back. Only then did Charles realize he hadn't been paying attention to the road. He'd run a red light.

An oncoming car was about to hit him. Instinct took over-he yanked the steering wheel, narrowly missing the other vehicle. His own car spun out, flipped onto its side, and crashed into the median.

Blood ran down his forehead in a slow trickle. Dizzy, everything sounded muffled. Somewhere nearby, voices called out-traffic cops, running toward him.

He turned his head, the world snapping back into focus. Pushing the door open, he stumbled out of the wreck.

At least he'd reacted in time-no one else was hurt, just himself. But his mind was already racing ahead, back to the hospital.

He didn't stick around for the accident investigation. Aiden called, promising to handle things. Charles flagged down the first car he saw and sped to the hospital.

The driver kept glancing at him in the mirror-blood all over his face, eyes dark with worry. The car ride was tense and silent.

The moment they reached the hospital, Charles barely waited for the car to stop before he was out, legs shaky, nearly running as he rushed inside.

already outside the operating room. She was ghost-pale, barely standing, leaning on

and their eyes met. Charles's heart twisted-he could hardly stand. He forced himself forward, each step feeling like

gaze dropped to her abdomen. Just one

to look up again,

ended their child's life- and she

could she

why?" His voice was raw with

so badly. From the moment he found out she was pregnant, he'd hoped-hoped that maybe Charlie was coming back to

the research. He'd

for

started building a playground-just

her the best of everything.

never have to envy anyone else,

kids had, she'd

if she wanted something no one else did, he'd find a way to give it to her.

a chance to make things right. She'd ended