The Day Our Promise Breaks

Wiona couldn't quite put a name to the feeling swirling inside her.

If it weren't for Brooks, she'd probably really like this girl.

But, there's no "if" in real life...

As she lowered her gaze, she accidentally met Brooks' eyes.

The look he shot her a teasing, half-smile-made Wiona pause in confusion.

Hadn't he just been furious that she'd neglected his precious girl? Wasn't he just giving her the cold shoulder, acting all moody?

Why the sudden change in attitude?

Just as Wiona was puzzling over this, Brooks suddenly asked, "Mom, do you know who Sunny E. is?"

Wiona didn't answer right away.

Brooks' question felt off, somehow.

Lauren, overhearing, looked at Brooks with interest.

She was curious about Sunny E. too.

"Closer than you think," Brooks added, a glint in his eyes.

Wiona's composure slipped.

Of course she understood what her son meant.

Sunny E....

Su...

How could she have known that the "Su" was Evelyn's middle name?

Thinking back to all the genuine praise she'd lavished on Sunny E.-right in front of Evelyn-Wiona's cheeks burned.

She'd always prided herself on her dignity, but at that moment, she couldn't eat another bite.

She stood up and rubbed her temples. "I'm not feeling well. I'll go upstairs to rest for a bit. Don't wait for me."

The housekeeper hurried over to help her.

Brooks called after her, "Mom, do you want me to call the family doctor?"

With her back to the three of them, Wiona ground out through clenched teeth, “No need. I'll be fine after a rest."

Evelyn reached out and pinched Brooks' arm, signaling him to cut it out.

Brooks looked at her with soft eyes, surrendering completely to her wishes.

Lauren watched them, feeling the certainty settle in her heart-she never stood a chance.

Wiona didn't come back down the entire time the three finished their dinner.

Afterwards, Lauren left through the back door, arranging to meet with Evelyn about her designs.

They exchanged contact info, and Lauren left first.

Evelyn was busy, and with Wiona still upstairs-the housekeeper had said not to disturb her she didn't go up to say goodbye.

She left with Brooks.

As soon as Wiona heard the car engine fade away, she sat up in bed and asked the housekeeper to bring in the gift Evelyn had given her.

Sitting on the couch, she opened the box.

The design was vintage, elegant, and sophisticated, with subtle nods to her

favorite styles-every detail was just perfect.

She couldn't resist trying it on, admiring herself in the full-length mirror.noveldrama

It really suited her.

But then she remembered-it was Evelyn's creation.

Liking it this much felt like... accepting Evelyn herself.

The light in Wiona's eyes dimmed a little. Reluctantly, she took it off and handed it

to the housekeeper. "Put it away."

The housekeeper knew exactly where to put gifts Wiona didn't like: in a forgotten corner, left to gather dust, never to be worn.

The housekeeper turned to go.

"Wait," Wiona called out, changing her mind instantly.

To toss something she loved into a corner felt almost sacrilegious.

"You go ahead. I'll put it away myself."

But instead of hiding it, Wiona

placed the piece right at the et

of her jewelry display, where be the first thing anyone sa

After months of nonstop work, Evelyn finally had a free evening.

Brooks had invited her out to The Ivy Club that night-he wanted to introduce her

to a few childhood friends over dinner.

Evelyn had spent five years with Charles, always in the shadows.

He'd never acknowledged her, never invited her into his world.

So Brooks bringing her out tonight meant a lot.

The private room had a warm, lively atmosphere.

Aaron, the owner of The Ivy Club, was there too.

He knew just how long Brooks had waited for Evelyn.

And now, even after finally getting together, things weren't moving along as they should.

Six months together, and Brooks was still the perfect gentleman-maybe too perfect.

Aaron, as his friend, was running out of patience.

A man who loves his woman shouldn't be so restrained.

After all, sometimes love needs a little push.

So tonight, Aaron decided to help Brooks out.

He quietly pulled aside the server who'd be handling their table, whispering instructions to slip a little something into Evelyn's drink to

liven up the evening.

Once everything was set, Aaron pushed open the door and rejoined the group.

To avoid raising suspicion, he found a way to draw Brooks out of the room. The server slipped in, did his job, and soon enough, Aarono watched as Evelyn took a sip.

A slow, satisfied smile curled on Aaron's lips.

Tonight, even Brooks would have a hard time keeping his gentlemanly composure.