The Day Our Promise Breaks

Let her know that Charlie is Dad's real daughter. Naturally, the more time they spent together, the closer they'd get, making her, just an adopted daughter, seem unimportant.

She wasn't about to let Charlie steal Dad away from her. So when Mom suggested she pretend to be sick, she went along with it. Mom would then strategically call Dad while he was on his way to see Charlie, causing him to cancel their plans. Mom said Charlie waited alone at the amusement park for hours, her health getting worse until she passed away. How naïve of her. Even knowing Dad didn't favor her, she still tried to claim his attention on her birthday.

But Charlie's death meant Dad didn't take her to the amusement park last year, even though he promised they'd celebrate every birthday there together. Seeing Charles stay silent, Sandy quickly put on a grown-up act, saying, "Dad, I was just curious. If it's not possible, it's okay. As long as you can spend my birthday with me, I'm happy." She forced a smile, but her little face showed her disappointment clearly. She did it on purpose, wanting Dad to notice. Last year, she'd lost to Charlie, but this year, she wouldn't let that happen. The more Dad loved her, the more she could help Mom.

Charles saw Sandy's disappointment and couldn't ignore it. He made a promise. "Alright, I'll take you to the amusement park." Sandy was thrilled and immediately hugged Charles, "Dad, you're the best. I'm so happy!" Charles gently patted her back. Sandy clung to Charles all the way, staying close to him until they stopped at Greenrose Manor.

Dahlia was waiting at the door. Who knows how long she'd been there? As soon as the car stopped, she eagerly wheeled herself forward. She wanted to show Charles how much she cared for Sandy, and she wanted to see Charles herself. It had been two weeks since she last saw him, and she truly missed him. But as she got to the car, the door opened, and the interior light was off. Only Sandy stepped out; Charles stayed inside. As soon as Sandy was out, the door closed again. Dahlia didn't even get a chance to catch a glimpse. The car drove off quickly. Only when it disappeared from sight did Dahlia wheel herself back inside, her expression cold.

Sandy knew her mom was upset, so she quickly shared the news that Charles agreed to take her to the amusement park for her birthday. As the birthday girl, she had the power. If she insisted Mom join them, Dad would surely agree. Dahlia's icy demeanor softened at this. She gently patted Sandy's head, rewarding her, "You did well earlier." Sandy beamed with happiness. Seeing Sandy's smile, Dahlia felt a sting of jealousy. Charles had initially cared for Sandy because she was Debbie's daughter. Yet now, he continued to care for her, while he wouldn't even spare Dahlia a glance. But for now, she needed Sandy. Only through using Sandy could she have another chance with Charles.

Time flew by and it was Sandy's birthday, which was also Charlie's memorial day. Sandy dressed likenoveldrama

little princess, ready to go to the @

amusement park with Charles. She didn't care about the location she cared that Dad chose her over Charlie. In Dad's heart, she was the most important. Charles used to come early for her birthday celebrations. By eight, Sandy hadn't seen him, so she called. No answer. She didn't dare call repeatedly, so she sent a message, "Dad, when are you coming?" It was like dropping a stone into the sea

—

no response.

Sandy waited from morning till noon, yet Charles didn't show up. He hadn't returned her calls either. Feeling a mix of disappointment and anxiety, she glanced at Dahlia. Mom was also dressed up today. She had promised to convince Dad to let her join the celebration. But still, no sign of Dad. Sandy quickly tried calling Charles again, still no answer. She waited from noon till evening. Charles never came. And Dahlia had already received news that Charles went to Charlie's grave early in the morning and hadn't left.

"You useless thing. Your dad would rather talk to a dead person than spend time with you! What's the point of you being alive if you can't even compete with a ghost?" Dahlia's anger boiled over. She couldn't resist ramming her wheelchair into Sandy. She had

er

ve

thought Sandy was capable of outshining Charlie. But in reality? Sandy fell to the ground, stunned. Dad went to be with Charlie? Impossible! Didn't Dad promise to celebrate her birthday at the amusement park? Dahlia couldn't be bothered to look at Sandy anymore. Since she couldn't gain Charles's attention, Sandy meant nothing to her. As long as she remained alive, she could be used as leverage. Wesley had always been tight-lipped.

After Dahlia went upstairs, Sandy remained seated on the doorstep.