The Day Our Promise Breaks

Hearing Andrew's words, Charles visibly froze.

His grip on Evelyn loosened slightly.

Seizing the chance, Evelyn slipped from Charles's hold. Her hands, quick and sinuous, snaked up to his shoulders, pulling herself closer to him.

She tilted her head up, her burning lips landing hungrily against Charles's throat.

Charles's breath hitched, the heat he'd been suppressing surging uncontrollably.

Andrew averted his gaze in a flash.

See no evil.

With perfect timing, he tossed out, "Charles, I'm heading out."

Without another glance, he made a speedy exit.

...

Evelyn's entire focus was on Charles.

She felt as if she were inside a blazing fire, and only Charles could soothe the ache burning through her body.

Even after that first kiss, it wasn't enough.

She wanted more.

Her breathing was ragged, desperate.

Her beautiful eyes shimmered with tears as she looked up at Charles, writhing in

his arms. Her voice was trembling, almost crying, "It hurts..."

She knew what she needed to do to ease the ache, but Charles's arms kept her from moving closer to the source of her comfort.

Charles's control was fraying with every second.

He knew he had no right to touch Evelyn now.

But...

The thought of handing her over to Brooks himself? He simply couldn't do it.

"Eve, I'm sorry."

Charles gripped her waist and pulled her onto his lap.

He hadn't even finished speaking before Evelyn's soft, fevered lips found his, kissing him hungrily.

She didn't understand what Charles was saying—all she knew was the aching need for more of him.

Only with him close could she find relief.

Charles's composure shattered completely.

He finally let himself give in to the wild, overwhelming feelings he'd kept buried for so long.

With Evelyn in his arms, still facing him, he swept her up and strode toward the bedroom.

As he walked, he kissed her back with deep, desperate passion, their lips locked together.

It had been too long. Charles's eyes stung with emotion as he kissed her deeper, pouring in all the longing and regret he'd held back.

He wanted to lose himself in her, to have all of her.

...

That night, Evelyn clung to Charles again and again.

It wasn't until the first light of dawn crept in that the effects of the drug finally faded.

She slipped into deep, dreamless sleep.

Charles's body was exhausted, but inside he felt wired, exhilarated.

Once Evelyn was sound asleep, he carried her into the bathroom and gently washed her.

She was so tired that she stayed asleep the entire time.

When she was clean, Charles carried her out. The master bedroom was a mess, so he brought her to the guest room.

He lay down, holding her as if she were the most precious treasure in the world.

He gazed at her flushed cheeks as she snuggled quietly into his arms.

Charles couldn't help but shower her face with gentle kisses.

He was bone-tired, but he couldn't bear to close his eyes.

To him, the miracle of tonight felt like fate-a gift from Charlie, the daughter he'd lost, as if she'd sensed his remorse and decided to forgive him. Maybe that's why he'd happened to be at Aaron's club, giving him this second chance with Evelyn.

Thinking of Charlie, Charles's large hand drifted unconsciously to rest on Evelyn's belly.

It had been a long time since he'd been with a woman-there were no precautions in the house.

Everything had happened so quickly last night. There hadn't been time to get anything.

So, every time, there'd been nothing between them.

He remembered how Charlie had come to them after just one night-like fate itself.

Would it happen again this time?

Would his Charlie come back to them, become their child, and give him the chance to make amends?

Charles stroked Evelyn's stomach, unable to look away from her.

Time ticked by.

He dozed off for a little while, but excitement woke him soon after.

He watched Evelyn, waiting for her to wake.

At first, all he felt was the joy and thrill of getting her back.

But as he woke again, anxiety began to creep in.

After all, Evelyn had been drugged last night.

He had no idea how she'd react when she woke.

He waited, torn between hope and dread, until Evelyn finally stirred.

Her eyelashes fluttered.

Charles, who'd been watching her closely, noticed the faintest sign she was

waking and immediately tensed.

He held his breath, waiting for her eyes to open.

She didn't open them right away, but her breathing changed he knew she was

awake.

Those few seconds felt like centuries.

But Evelyn didn't shove him away in anger-instead, she nestled closer, her arms sliding around his waist, hugging him tight in a gentle affectionate gesture.

Charles was overjoyed.

Did this mean she'd forgiven him after last night?

Unable to hold back, Charles hugged Evelyn tightly, ready to speak-

But Evelyn beat him to it, her voice hoarse

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het intimate after a night : “Brooks, not so tight t

can

hardly breathe..."

That one word-Brooks-hit Charles like a bolt of lightning.

All the joy and hope inside him froze to ice in an instant.

Evelyn's tenderness wasn't forgiveness at all—she'd mistaken him for Brooks.