The Day Our Promise Breaks

Evelyn hit rock bottom this morning, feeling absolutely useless because she couldn't get justice for Charlie. Charles, Charlie's dad, had quite the influence and network in the Capital. With his connections, Brooks couldn't imagine anyone, aside from his sweetheart Dahlia, that Evelyn wouldn't have Charles go after for revenge.

Evelyn's eyes widened in shock, locking onto Brooks. "How did you know?" There was a flicker of hope in her voice. Maybe Brooks knew something she didn't, maybe he had proof. Otherwise, how could he be so sure about Dahlia?

Brooks caught on quickly. He held Evelyn's hand gently, his tone soothing. "Evelyn, it's just a hunch. I don't have any hard evidence." The spark in Evelyn's eyes dimmed instantly. Brooks, noticing her deflation, softly patted her head, continuing, "But you know, justice has a way of surfacing. If she's guilty, there'll be some sign."

"Even if she covered her tracks this time, people like her don't just stop. If we keep an eye on her, we'll catch her slipping eventually."

"You've got to believe, Evelyn, that evil gets what's coming to it. We'll make sure Charlie gets justice, and Dahlia won't get away unscathed."

Evelyn met Brooks's unwavering gaze, her eyes misty, and nodded firmly. "Yes!"

"Promise me you won't carry this burden alone anymore. I'm here for you."

Evelyn, drawn in by Brooks's caring eyes, nodded without hesitation. Brooks linked his pinky with hers, sealing the promise. "Deal."

Evelyn didn't overthink it. She figured Brooks must've caught the pinky promise thing from a kindergarten video Charlie adored. A rare smile touched her lips. She didn't expect Brooks to do something so sweetly childish.

"I'll get you home," Brooks said, giving her a lingering look before turning away with a calm demeanor.

Forty minutes later, Brooks dropped Evelyn at her doorstep. "I won't do anything reckless again. You're right. How can I face her if I haven't avenged Charlie?" Evelyn assured him, sensing his lingering worry.

"My phone's always on for you. Day or night, just call," Brooks said with sincerity.

"Okay," Evelyn whispered back. She'd

be lying if she said she wasn't touched. She couldn't quite grasp why Brooks, after only a few meetings, was so kind to her. It's not like she wasn't cautious. But really, what could she offer him now? For her, if it meant avenging Charlie, nothing else mattered.

"Goodnight," Brooks said, breaking the moment.

"Goodnight," Evelyn echoed. After watching her secure the door, he finally turned

to leave. This time, he was determined not to let the opportunity slip by.

...

Meanwhile, Charles sped away from

the Jenkins Estate, making his way to Maple Garden. From his car, he stared up at the light glowing in Evelyn's apartment. His hand

hovered øyer the car door handle et

then paused. He'd come tonoveldrama

apologize to Evelyn. He needed to confess that it wasn't Dahlia who took the kidney-it was him. But he hadn't known the kidney belonged to Charlie. Had he known, he would've never let Dahlia take it. But what did it matter now? Whether he knew or not, he was the reason the kidney was gone. Without it, Charlie hadn't survived the surgery.