The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 671

Charlie couldn't help but lift her eyes to look at Charles.

She met his gaze-so full of love. His eyes were red and rimmed with guilt, but the way he looked at her was impossibly gentle. It was as if nothing else in the world mattered but her.

Her mom used to look at her the same way.

Charlie knew, without a doubt, that her mom loved her.

So, did that mean he loved her, too?

Charlie's lips pressed together in a stubborn line. Suddenly, she turned away, flopped down on the bed, and pulled the covers over her head, face buried in the pillow. Her little hands clutched the blanket tight, pressing it over her ears.

She didn't want to hear anything else Charles had to say-her message was clear.

Charles didn't push. He'd already said everything he needed to, made his feelings known.

He knew he'd hurt Charlie too much. He never expected her to forgive him right away. As long as she let him stay by her side, gave him a chance to make things right, that was enough for him.

Over the next few days, Charles insisted on taking care of Charlie himself.

He cooked all her favorite meals-pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, creamy mac and cheese, homemade chicken soup. He'd watched old security footage from Oakwood Manor just to learn the dishes she used to love.

Some recipes were totally new to him, but he practiced until he got them right, never losing patience.

Worried she'd get bored, he bought her paints and sketchbooks.

bright, colorful markers. She accepted the gift without a word, but her attitude toward Charles stayed

by the big window and start to draw. Charles would sit quietly nearby, never interrupting. Whenever she glanced his way, she'd

fresh fruit at her elbow, her water glass was always just

was Charles's way of

wanted to be there

night, as soon as Charlie got into bed, Charles would dim the lights and pick up the storybook. His voice

protested—she said she didn't need stories to fall asleep. But once Charles started reading,

reading her to sleep, just like other kids. She was annoyed with herself for wanting it, but she couldn't help it. She just turned her back on him, making her refusal in

pout, cheeks puffed out

So he kept reading.

on her, watching her expression soften, her

set the book aside, tuck her in gently, and settle himself nearby— sometimes with his

her eyes, Charles was always there.

She'd ignore him.

would go on, "What do you want for

answer, he'd start listing options scrambled eggs, blueberry muffins,

honey watching

watching her face forthe

interest.

he'd decide what

so, father and daughter settled into their own quiet

didn't exactly accept Charles, but she didn't

The days slipped past.

was the final day of Evelyn's competition. Tomorrow, they'd