The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 662

They all hoped that something here would spark a sense of belonging in Charlie.

But she didn't react at all.

Once she'd finished eating, Charles gently wiped the corner of her mouth. He spoke softly, "Charlie, did you like it?"

"Yes." She nodded.

"This is from your mom-"

Before he could finish, Charlie's expression shifted abruptly.

Charles immediately stopped, not daring to push further.

"Daddy, where's my mom? I want to see her."

Charles would never mention what Luna had done in front of Charlie-not until she remembered Eve, not until she was ready. She was still too young; she wouldn't understand.

"She's busy with something really important right now, so she can't take care of you. That's why you're staying with Daddy," he explained gently.

Because of Luna's planted suggestion, Charlie felt a natural closeness to Charles and didn't question him at all. If anything, she trusted him even more.

Charles tried every way he could think of to help Charlie accept Evelyn.

He wanted to show Charlie the story of her own childhood, every moment Eve had carefully recorded over the past five years. If Charlie was willing to watch, she'd see that Eve was her mother, and that her mother loved her deeply.

But Charlie refused. She was clearly resistant.

Charles didn't push her, afraid she'd pull away even more.

to

her mom yet, maybe she'd at least let Eve get close-so it wouldn't feel like a battle

finally conceded that

long as Charles was nearby, he'd always protect her. So with him around, Charlie didn't reject

least she didn't flinch away like a startled bird whenever Evelyn came

holding out a plate, "these are apples your mom bought for you. They were your favorite when you were little.

a bite-sized piece Evelyn had carefully peeled and sliced,

Charles. With his gentle encouragement,

her daughter

her yet, just sharing a moment like this was enough

the hope that

night, Charles suggested that Evelyn join him to read Charlie's

resist Evelyn's voice. She closed her eyes, nestled against

Evelyn's heart melted.

lean down and

the night wore on, Evelyn lay down

glow of the streetlights outside, watched the two of

made

two days, because of Charlie, Eve had

Charlie was so close to

it was just make-believe, Charles felt

almost

hoped that one day Evelyn might

Charlie

***

Andrew hurried to

message and slipped out

a thick report, his face serious as he