The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 564

Charles’s movement as he got into the car noticeably faltered.

His large hand, braced on the car door for support, trembled.

That long-lost note of concern in Eve’s voice crashed over Charles’s heart like a tidal wave.

Eve still cared about him.

But the fleeting happiness lasted only a moment.

Bitterness followed right after.

Charles knew better than anyone: the only reason Evelyn—who’d always treated him so coldly—showed him any concern tonight was because he’d finally told her, in front of everyone, that she was now officially Ms. Evelyn Jenkins of the Jenkins family. She could finally let go and feel at ease.

She understood. By saying that, he was making it clear: he wouldn’t trouble her anymore.

Afraid she’d notice anything unusual, Charles forced down the bitterness inside. He turned to Evelyn, his expression composed, and said, “It’s nothing. I just scraped my leg a little a couple of days ago. No big deal.”

Since he said that, Evelyn didn’t press further.

She’d blurted the question out on instinct.

Whether he was hurt or not had nothing to do with her anymore.

But Charles’s leg really couldn’t hold up any longer. He offered Evelyn a gentle smile, then bent to get into the car.

As soon as the door shut, Charles’s self-control crumbled.

Slumping back against the seat, his breathing turned ragged and harsh.

Aiden, witnessing it all, blanched.

He didn’t dare delay any longer, slamming his foot on the gas as the car sped away from the manor.

Evelyn didn’t watch the car leave.

The moment it disappeared, she pulled her gaze back—only to find Brooks still staring after it, his expression clouded with worry.

She asked, concern in her voice, “Brooks, what’s wrong?”

Brooks snapped out of it, his tone gentle. “It’s nothing.”

“Tonight’s your Aunt Josephine’s birthday. You’ve been gone too long already. We should get back inside.”

Evelyn didn’t ask further and slipped her arm through his, letting Brooks lead her back into the house.

…

“Evelyn, I’m so sorry about earlier. I didn’t know my mother would…”

Brooks trailed off, remembering how his mother had pretended to accept Evelyn in front of him, only to attack her at the dinner party, picking at her background.

He felt nothing but guilt.

“Brooks, you don’t have to apologize. I’m fine,” Evelyn said softly, shaking her head.

She remembered all the kindness Brooks had shown her over the years.

Especially that night, just over a month ago—the night of the fire.

She looked at Brooks, her voice earnest. “You risked your life for me. I’ll do everything I can to make your family accept me too.”

She would work hard to stand at the top of her field—not just to fulfill the dream she’d shared with Charlie, but also to become the partner Brooks deserved.

Brooks’s eyes widened at her words, and in that instant, realization struck.

Evelyn had misunderstood.

In the hospital, over a month ago, that look of gratitude in her eyes hadn’t come from being moved by his sincerity—she thought he was the one who saved her.

Brooks’s heart sank.

His grip on her hand unconsciously tightened.

Evelyn winced, her brow furrowing. “Brooks? What’s wrong?”

A lump formed in Brooks’s throat. After a long pause, he finally managed, “Evelyn, you agreed to be with me because you think I saved you that night, didn’t you? If I hadn’t, would you still have chosen me?”