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.

him

was blind. I favored Dahlia and Sandy and let you and

a punch to the

He deserved this.

just have to live with that. As long as she was alive, maybe he'd have the chance to make things right,

her home, letting her and Eve see

to keep his hope alive, Charles reached out a trembling

him, but she adored Eve.

But nothing happened.

mention of Eve, Charlie's expression

dress

knuckles turned white.

She trusted Luna.

her

him and even to Eve-she

realized something was

might ignore him, but she

Unless... she wasn't Charlie.

feel the

She crouched down quickly.

little girl instantly pressed herself against Luna,

don't be scared.