The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 622

In that moment, Charles didn't have the luxury of wondering how Charlie-who had died on the operating table all those years ago-could possibly be standing here in Country Y.

All he could think about was gathering his long-lost daughter into his arms and never letting go, as if holding her tight enough could somehow make up for everything.

He barely remembered crossing the room, his steps blending into a blur as he dropped to one knee in front of the little girl. Arms outstretched, he reached for her

But she slipped away before his hands could even brush her sleeve, darting behind Luna, her eyes wide and wary, her whole body tense with distrust.

A fierce ache twisted in Charles's chest.

Charlie's rejection felt like a knife, sharp and unrelenting, stabbing straight into his heart.

He went pale.

In his memories-the few precious moments they'd shared-Charlie's eyes always sparkled when she saw him. Whenever he came near, she would break into this radiant smile, her big, beautiful eyes, so much like Eve's, glowing with happiness.

She'd look at him with that endearing, crinkly-eyed grin and call him "Daddy" in the softest, sweetest voice.

She used to love being close to him.

She used to love her dad.

But now? All he saw in her was distance, suspicion, and a wall he couldn't cross.

She hates me.

thought sliced him

swallowed down his longing, met her gaze with all the tenderness he could muster, and spoke softly, "Charlie, I know you hate me. I know I failed you. I was blind. I favored Dahlia and Sandy and let you and your mom suffer. That's all on me. You have every reason to hate me, to shut me out. I don't expect you to forgive me overnight. But your

to the gut, but Charles

He deserved this.

have to live with that. As long as she was

now, nothing mattered more than bringing her home, letting her and Eve see each

to keep his hope alive,

him, but she adored Eve. Surely, she'd want

But nothing happened.

the mention of Eve, Charlie's expression didn't change. She stayed hidden

dress so

knuckles turned white.

She trusted Luna.

her

and even to Eve-she was nothing but a

realized something

might ignore him, but she would

Unless... she wasn't Charlie.

the

She crouched down quickly.

girl instantly pressed herself against Luna,

stroked her hair. "Aurora, don't be scared. Mr. Jenkins isn't