The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 455

Adam changed into sterile scrubs and lay down on the operating table. As the anesthesia kicked in, he slowly closed his eyes, drifting off into a deep unconsciousness.

Outside the operating room, Dahlia, tears streaming down her face, threw herself into Charles's arms, her voice shaky. "Charles, thank goodness you're here."

Charles was caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Saving Sandy was a relief, but the thought of Evelyn dampened any joy he might have felt. He gently moved Dahlia aside, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and headed to the emergency exit to light up.

Dahlia didn't follow. She stayed near the operating room door, the glow of the red light reflecting her growing smile.

In the stairwell, Charles had barely taken a few puffs when his phone rang. He wasn't in the mood to talk, but the caller ID caught his attention. Whatever was said on the other end brought a spark to his eyes. He stubbed out the cigarette and strode off with purpose.

"Charles, where are you going?" Dahlia called after him.

He didn't answer, simply walking away. Dahlia, too absorbed in her own plans, wasn't bothered. She was eager for the surgery to succeed so she could rile up Evelyn.

Meanwhile, Evelyn woke with a start, realizing Adam was gone. Charles had taken him. She turned pale, rushing out and heading straight for the hospital where Sandy was.

When she arrived, only Dahlia waited by the operating room. The light was on, signaling the surgery was underway. Her heart sank. She was too late. Evelyn staggered, leaning against the wall for support.

Dahlia, hearing the commotion, turned to Evelyn, barely concealing her smugness. She wheeled over, her voice low and taunting. "Evelyn, you're too late. Adam's kidney is already in Sandy."

"I made sure your daughter died, and you couldn't stop it. Now, your friend's sacrifice for your daughter benefits mine. Isn't that painful?"

"The more you hurt, the happier I am!"

Evelyn was seething. Without a word, she kicked Dahlia's wheelchair, sending her sprawling. Her focus shifted to Adam's safety as the surgery continued.

Just then, the operating room light switched off. The surgery was over. A doctor emerged, and Evelyn grabbed his arm, desperate. "Doctor, is the donor okay?"

"Relax, the surgery was a success. Both the donor and patient are fine," the doctor assured her.