The Day Our Promise Breaks

Dahlia kept dialing Aiden's number, but still, no answer. A wave of panic washed over her, something she wasn't used to feeling. This was new territory for her.

When the old lady passed away, Dahlia had put on a show of sadness, pretending she wanted to help Charles with the funeral. Of course, Charles turned her down, just as she'd expected. They weren't officially a couple yet, so she didn't have any legitimate claim. Plus, she never actually planned on getting involved with the funeral arrangements. She didn't feel it was her place.

What caught her off guard, though, was Charles not allowing her to bring Sandy to the funeral, all because the old lady didn't like her. Since then, she hadn't seen Charles at all. The funeral was long over, and though she tried calling him countless times and sent messages expressing her sympathy, there was no response. She even visited his place and office, but he was nowhere to be found. Aiden, too, was unreachable.

How could she not freak out?! The days without Charles made Dahlia painfully aware that without him, she was at a loss. She knew she had to hold on to him, no matter what.

As she was frantically trying to figure out a plan, the familiar rumble of a car engine outside caught her attention. She jumped up and checked from the balcony-it was Charles's car. Her heart skipped a beat, relief flooding her.

He was finally here.

Dahlia quickly called Sandy to join her in greeting him. The moment Charles stepped inside, Sandy charged at him, red-eyed, wrapping her arms around his legs.

"Daddy, Mommy couldn't get through to you! We were so worried!"

Before, if Charles saw Sandy with tears in her eyes, he would have scooped her up, kissed her cheek, and gently comforted her. But now, looking at Sandy, healthy and whole, his thoughts drifted to Charlie. If he hadn't made that call to Rory for Sandy, if Dahlia hadn't taken the kidney meant for Charlie, Charlie would be just as healthy.

A sharp pain twisted in Charles's

chest. He didn't bend down to

embrace Sandy, nor did he show any anger towards her. He simply patted her head. "Sandy, go ask the nanny to take you to the amusement park for a bit. I need to talk to your mom."

"Daddy..." Sandy sensed something was off in his tone and hesitated, wanting to cling to him.

"Go."

That single word struck her, and she let go, startled. Charles had never spoken so sternly to her before. Dahlia noticed the change too. She gently touched Sandy's head and said, "Listen to your dad."

With that, Sandy turned and ran to fetch the nanny. The nanny quickly whisked Sandy away, leaving just Charles and Dahlia in the spacious villa.

Inside, Dahlia was in turmoil, but she didn't let it show. She stepped forward, concern etched on her face as she looked at Charles, who seemed to have lost weight.noveldrama

"Charles, are you okay? You look so pale."

Charles didn't respond immediately. He just fixed those deep, searching eyes on her, making her heart race with anxiety.

"Charles, what's going on? Why are you looking at me like that? Did I do something wrong?"

Tears welled up in Dahlia's eyes, her voice trembling slightly. She knew Charles had fallen for this act before; she'd upset him in the past, but her vulnerability always softened him. en