The Day Our Promise Breaks

Sandy stood there, unsure of how to stop her dad from checking the security footage. Panic and fear had her frozen in place.

"Yes, Mr. Jenkins." Charles was no stranger to the store. The manager recognized him immediately and knew his status. When he asked to see the surveillance footage, she quickly called over an employee to handle it.

The employee rushed over, and when asked which area to check, she looked visibly flustered. She glanced at the manager, then at Charles, and under the weight of his intense gaze, she braced herself and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Jenkins, the camera in that section hasn't been working for two days."

Charles frowned at this news. Brooks hadn't expected this twist. Without the footage, there wasn't much to discuss. He shot a brief, indifferent glance at Sandy, who was nestled in Charles's arms, then took Evelyn's hand and led her out. Charles watched their hands intertwined, and the tension around him seemed to thicken.

The employee and manager stood by silently, not daring to speak. Sandy, upon realizing there was no footage, visibly relaxed. She had been terrified. But her relief was short-lived as Charles suddenly asked, "Sandy, why were you so nervous when I brought up the surveillance footage?"

Charles remembered Sandy's tense reaction when Brooks mentioned the footage. If she had been truthful, there would have been no reason for her to worry. Once Sandy felt a bit more at ease, her quick mind started working again. Instead of making excuses, she apologized directly, "Dad, I'm sorry, I lied earlier."

"Ms. Evelyn saw the Elsa dress first, not me. I liked it so much that I took it."

"I really wanted it and didn't want to give it to Ms. Evelyn."

"I'm sorry, Dad. I shouldn't have said I saw it first. I panicked because I was scared you'd find out I lied and wouldn't like me anymore."

"It was my first time lying, and I freaked out... Dad, I know I was wrong. I won't do it again."

"Dad, you can punish me. I'm ready to accept it."

Sandy said this, holding out her hand for Charles to discipline her. Charles looked at Sandy, who had lied and was now both nervous and scared, tears streaming down her face. Remembering she was still recovering and that it wasn't a big deal, he reminded himself she was only seven.

"No more next times, Sandy. I don't like it when children lie. If you do it again, I'll be very upset, understand?"

Charles's voice was firm. Sandy nodded, then shook her head, saying, "Dad, I get it. I won't lie again. I was so scared you'd be mad and stop liking me..."

She hugged Charles, cautiously asking, "Dad, you're not mad at me, right?"

"No." Charles gently patted her head and signaled to the employee to bring tissues, wiping away Sandy's tears and sniffles.

"Mr. Jenkins, do you still want the items you picked out earlier?" The manager asked cautiously, worried Charles might leave without buying anything.

"Yes," Charles nodded slightly. The manager immediately instructed the employee to package the items.

Seeing that Charles wasn't angry, Sandy perked up. When she heard Charles had picked out many things, she eagerly peeked over. When she saw the employee gathering a lot, her eyes lit up, and she rushed over excitedly, "Dad, are all these for me? I love them all, thank you! You're the best!"

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Sandy was genuinely happy. She knew she was the most important person in her dad's heart. Even without picking anything herself, her dad had chosen so many beautiful and expensive gifts for her. She could already imagine how envious her classmates would be when they saw just how many lovely gifts she had.

"Sandy, these are for Charlie. You can pick out what you like." He had told Sandy this when they entered the store. She could pick whatever she wanted, and he'd buy it for her. Meanwhile, he was selecting gifts for Charlie. For the past two years, he often bought many things, some stored at Oakwood Manor, others taken to the cemetery for Charlie. In life, he had owed Charlie so much. In death, Charles didn't know how to make up for it. Besides this, he didn't know what else to do for Charlie. noveldrama

Sandy heard they were for Charlie. Her smile froze. But having nearly upset Charles earlier, she didn't dare make a fuss over Charlie or vie for attention. After Charlie's death, she knew her father felt deep guilt toward Charlie. Charlie, who wasn't alive, shouldn't stir jealousy or envy. Yet, knowing her dad had bought another Elsa dress for Charlie two years ago, she realized she hadn't really won. Now, seeing her dad buy so much for Charlie without picking anything for her, she couldn't help but feel envious. This Charlie, even in death, seemed to linger. Even gone, still competing with her. Sandy ran to the side to pick out her own gifts.