The Day Our Promise Breaks

With his back to Charles, he squeezed a toy so hard it nearly got squished.

At the Cemetery, Evelyn had picked up some new things for Charlie and headed to the cemetery to visit her, with Brooks by her side. They both knelt down in front of Charlie's grave, gently wiping the dust off her tombstone.

Brooks glanced at Charlie's little face on the stone, the sight taking him back to a little girl he remembered from Country H. The likeness was striking.noveldrama

After Evelyn finished her heart-to-heart with Charlie, Brooks snapped back to reality, his gaze softening as it landed on Evelyn. "Eve, have you had a chance to think about what I asked you at the airport?"

Brooks chose this moment at Charlie's grave as a pledge to Evelyn. Charlie was one of the most significant people in Evelyn's life. Aunt Josephine had made her support clear, discreetly nudging him to win Eve over. She backed him, and by asking here, Brooks hoped for Charlie's blessing too.

Evelyn turned to Brooks, his question lingering in the air. She had feelings for him, no doubt.

Just as she was about to respond, someone suddenly stepped between them. It was Charles, carrying a stack of beautifully wrapped gifts, which he shamelessly used to block Brooks' face.

Though Brooks hadn't detailed what he said to Eve at the airport, his demeanor was like a peacock flaunting its feathers. What could it mean? It was obvious he was trying to steal his thunder.

In front of Charlie, Charles didn't come on too strong. He just gave Brooks a look that spoke volumes, before turning to Evelyn, his eyes softening instantly.

"Step aside," Evelyn said coolly, remembering how he doted on Sandy. Now, seeing him with Charlie felt like he was just throwing a bone her way. Charlie didn't need that kind of affection.

"Eve, these are especially for Charlie," Charles said, brushing off Evelyn's icy reception.

He laid out all the gifts at Charlie's grave.

"Charlie doesn't need them," Evelyn retorted, tossing the gifts aside. "Take these to your Sandy and stop trying to make my Charlie sick."

Charles watched as his carefully chosen gifts were scattered, his lips pressed tightly together. He knew Eve was bothered by Sandy. He had tried to keep them apart, but today they'd crossed paths.

"Mr. Jenkins, you don't need to worry about Charlie. I'll make sure she gets everything she likes," Brooks said, standing firm next to Evelyn.

"Charlie is my daughter; you don't need to concern yourself," Charles replied, glaring at Brooks, who seemed all too eager to play stepdad.

"Mr. Jenkins, finally admitting Charlie is your daughter? Anyone else might think Sandy's your real kid!" Brooks shot back, unable to hide his sarcasm.

Today's scene at the mall showed just how much Charlie had suffered because of Sandy while she was alive. And Charles, her own father, was part of the problem. How heartbroken Charlie must have been!

Charles had no comeback. Initially, he had mistakenly cared for Dahlia and, by extension, Sandy. Yet over the years, Sandy had genuinely been thoughtful. Years of feelings aren't easily cut off.

Charles always thought Sandy's presence wouldn't affect his bond with Evelyn. Opting not to drag it out, Charles went to collect the gifts for Charlie.

Evelyn was ready to leave. She couldn't really stop Charles from visiting Charlie.

Not sparing Charles another glance, she turned to Brooks. "Brooks, let's head back."

Brooks helped Evelyn to her feet. Evelyn gently touched Charlie's picture on the tombstone and said, "Charlie, Mom's going back now."

"Charlie, don't worry about your mom. Uncle Brooks will look after her for you." These words, meant for Charlie, were also aimed at Charles.

Seeing Evelyn's silent agreement, Charles gripped a gift box so tightly it crumpled. Watching Brooks wrap his arm around Evelyn as they left, Charles's gaze followed them, sharp enough to pierce Brooks.

Only when they faded from view did Charles refocus. He lined up the toys, burning them all for Charlie.

Gently caressing her face on the

stone, he whispered, "Charlie, if you want anything, come to me in a dream. Whatever you wish for Daddy will make it happen. Just visit me in a dream once, that's all I ask!"

Over two years had passed since Charlie's death. Charles had been pleading at her grave for over two years, yearning for her to visit him in a dream. He wanted to see her, to apologize.

But she never came.

"Charlie, do you hate Daddy so much that you won't even visit me in my dreams?"

The only response was the wind whispering in his ears. Pain and regret etched across Charles's handsome face. He truly regretted everything and longed to make it up to Charlie. But there was nothing he could do.

Oh, if he could only turn back time.