The Day Our Promise Breaks

She probably really wanted him to sit down and have breakfast with her. But all he did was mumble a response before he turned and left. Behind him, Charlie and Evelyn must have been so let down. He wished he could turn back the clock, do it all over again. He'd definitely start by hugging Charlie, giving her a kiss. He'd praise her when she wiped the sweat from his brow. He'd sit down for breakfast with her, knowing she was looking forward to his company. Share that morning meal with mother and daughter, then walk Charlie to school with Evelyn by his side. If only he had shown them just a little more care and attention. Would Charlie still be alive? Would Evelyn not be so disappointed in him?

Charles slowly opened his eyes. "Mr. Jenkins, you're awake." Aiden walked in, relieved to see him conscious, and fished out his phone, ready to call Dahlia to come and look after Charles. "Call Evelyn," Charles suddenly said, his voice weak. He wanted to see her. But he didn't have the nerve to face her himself. Deep down, he held onto a glimmer of hope, wondering if she'd come to the hospital knowing he was there.

Aiden hesitated, about to speak, but the sight of Charles's condition made him hold his tongue. Under Charles's intense gaze, he found Evelyn's number and pressed call. It didn't take long for Evelyn to pick up. "Aiden, what's up?" Her tone was frosty, answering out of mere courtesy. "Ms. Evelyn, Mr. Jenkins is in the hospital, heartbroken over the loss of Miss Charlie and Rosa. His condition is critical..." "Is he dead?" she asked coldly. Aiden felt a lump in his throat. He knew this was how Evelyn would react. That day, outside her door, Mr. Jenkins had been unconscious, but Aiden had seen it clearly-the coldness in Evelyn's eyes as she looked at Mr. Jenkins lying there in a pool of blood.

"Let me know when he's dead, Aiden. Then you can call me with the news," Evelyn said bluntly before hanging up. Aiden felt a chill. Mr. Jenkins was in no shape to handle any more shocks. If he relayed Evelyn's words directly, Mr. Jenkins might just cough up blood again. "Mr. Jenkins, Ms. Evelyn said she's...busy..." Aiden opted for a gentler approach, avoiding the harsh truth. Charles managed a dry "Mmh" from his throat. He knew the reality but couldn't help holding onto a thread of hope. After all, she once loved him so much!noveldrama

Seeing Charles grow even paler, Aiden could only sigh inwardly. If only he'd realized sooner. There were a few documents that needed Charles's attention. Once Charles seemed a bit more stable, Aiden stood by his bedside, going over the paperwork that needed his signature. It was more than half an hour before the work was done. Charles was already exhausted. Aiden walked over to the window, intending to close the curtains so Charles could rest, when he spotted a familiar figure approaching the hospital wing.

"Ms. Evelyn?" Charles, who had just closed his eyes, immediately opened them at the mention of her name. Ignoring his frail condition, he stumbled to the window. He really saw Evelyn. She was carrying a thermos, her face betraying her worry as she hurried into the hospital wing. A flicker of hope sparked in Charles's tired eyes. Evelyn had come after all. Deep down, she still cared, still loved him.