The Day Our Promise Breaks

Watching Evelyn take care of Brooks like he'd had too much to drink, tenderly waiting until the chicken soup was just the right temperature before spoon-feeding him. Even when Brooks accidentally spilled some at the corner of his mouth, she'd gently wipe it away with a napkin. She moved so naturally with these close gestures.

Wasn't she the one who never got close to any man other than him? How could she be so intimate with Brooks? Could it be... she really had given up on him, no longer loved him?

From the day Evelyn first said they should break up, even though she seemed so sure about it, he never truly believed that Evelyn's love for him had faded. Because more than anyone, he knew how deep Evelyn's love for him was. He had always thought she would give up the whole world before she'd give up on him.

But now... Seeing with his own eyes, the tenderness and care that once belonged only to him, given to another man, and not just any man, but one who was in no way less than him. Charles felt a sudden panic. It seemed like Evelyn truly didn't love him anymore, like she was really letting him go.

A sharp pain gripped Charles's heart, a pain he hadn't felt even when Dahlia left him. His brows knitted together with his troubled thoughts.

"Mr. Jenkins, is there anything else bothering you?" The doctor, having just finished examining Charles, assumed he might still be feeling unwell and asked immediately.

Charles didn't answer, his eyes filled with deep sorrow as he stared across the room. It was as if he had lost someone very important.

After the doctor left, Charles didn't have the energy to get out of bed. He could only gaze longingly at the closed door across the hall, wondering if the two inside were sharing even more intimate moments.

"Mr. Jenkins, should I call Ms. Dahlia?" Aiden asked again. Having been by Charles's side for years, he knew how much Charles loved Dahlia. Now that he was sick, he probably wanted her company more than anything.

As for calling Evelyn, Aiden thought it was because Charles had just learned about Miss Charlie's death being connected to him, and he wanted to discuss it with Evelyn. But he couldn't understand why Charles had stopped him from speaking earlier.

"No need," Charles replied hoarsely. Aiden couldn't hide his surprise. When people are sick, they're at their weakest, and they crave their loved ones by their side. Even if it doesn't ease the pain, the presence alone is comforting.

Charles didn't say more, just closed his eyes in discomfort. Eve wouldn't want to see Dahlia. Having Dahlia there and being seen by Eve would only upset her.

Charles was so drained that when he woke again, it was already the next morning. He opened his eyes weakly, the first thing he did was look towards the opposite room. Both doors were closed; he couldn't see anything.

Aiden, knowing what Charles was looking for, said, "Mr. Brooks's fever broke last night, and he was discharged this morning." He didn't mention that it was Evelyn who picked him up.

After Aiden finished, he called for the doctor. The doctor checked on Charles, who was recovering well, and reminded him to take care of his stomach before leaving.

"Mr. Jenkins, here's a meal from

Jenkins Estate, please have some," Aiden said, raising the bed and placing the breakfast, prepared by the Jenkins Estate kitchen, in front of Charles. It looked nutritious and appetizing.

Charles hadn't eaten in a while and should have been hungry. But

looking at the food, his mind drifted

back to Evelyn feeding Brooks the

chicken soup the previous day. The food felt tasteless in his mouth.

...

Brody and Rory, hearing Charles was hospitalized, came to visit him. After parking, they headed towards the hospital. Rory glanced at Brody and asked, "Has Allison come back?"

Over the years, Allison had really spoiled Brody, letting him hurt her without consequence. This was bringing up a sore topic.

Brody's face darkened. Just thinking about it made him angry. Not only had she not come back, but she also blocked him. Who did she think she was?

He wanted to see how long she could stay away. "Who cares if she comes back?" Brody scoffed.

Seeing Brody's indifferent attitude, Rory said, "You might regret it!"

"Regret?" Brody sneered. "Whoever regrets is a fool!"noveldrama

Seeing Brody's stubborn denial, Rory didn't push further and headed inside. Brody, feeling irritable and craving a cigarette, said, "You go ahead; I'll have a smoke."

Rory didn't smoke, so he nodded and went in. He made his way to the floor where Charles was staying. At the door, Rory knocked.

Charles, having just finished his meal, took the documents Aiden handed him, ready to work. Hearing the knock, he looked up, a flicker of hope crossing his eyes.