The Day Our Promise Breaks

Despite trying her best to calm down, Evelyn's body just wouldn't stop shaking. Adam gently placed his large hand over hers. Taking a few small sips, she gradually found her emotional footing again.

"Adam, can you sit with me while I watch Charlie's video?"

"Of course," he replied softly, getting up to start the playback.

Soon, the projector was alive with images of Charlie. From the moment he was born-this tiny, fair-skinned baby with big, curious eyes like black grapes, taking in the world around him. He grew up before their eyes. Teetering as he learned to walk, constantly stumbling into Evelyn's arms. His first word, "Mama..."

The video was a record of Charlie's life. When he first passed, Evelyn couldn't bring herself to watch it. But now, it was her lifeline. She watched it nearly every day. Tonight, she replayed it over and over until the echoes of Charlie calling "Mama" lulled her to sleep. It felt like he was still there, never having left her side.

Evelyn's a light sleeper, so Adam didn't want to wake her by moving her to the bedroom. Instead, he gently adjusted her position and draped a blanket over her. He then got up to turn off the projector.

A message from Charles popped up again, asking about Evelyn after noticing the living room lights were out. Adam replied tersely: [She's asleep.]

Charles responded: [Thanks.]

Adam shot back: [Between Evelyn and me, no need for thanks.]

He tossed his phone aside, feeling uneasy about Evelyn's state that day. He decided to stay nearby, making himself a makeshift bed on the carpet to keep her company.

...

Meanwhile, Dahlia got a call at the hospital from Sandy.

"Mom, I feel so awful," Sandy managed to say before she started to vomit.

"Hang in there," Dahlia said coldly over the phone.

"Mom, I really don't feel well. Can I call Dad?"

"No!" Dahlia's tone was sharp and icy.

"Sandy, are you trying to ruin me? If you don't want me as your mother and Charles as your father, go ahead and call him!"

Hearing her mom's words, Sandy quickly swallowed her discomfort. "Mom, I'm fine. I'll do as you say."

"That's my girl," Dahlia said, dismissing her before hanging up.

Wesley had just falsely accused Evelyn. If Charles found out now about Sandy's kidney transplant rejection, he might connect the dots and suspect that Dahlia had threatened Wesley. She needed to stall for time. swnovel

The next morning, after a day in the hospital, Dahlia called Charles to ask for a ride Charles, who had stayed outside Evelyn's place all night,

answered. When Dahlia call ne

Evelyn and Adam were just coming downstairs. swnovel

Catching sight of Evelyn, Charles simply said, "I'll send Aiden to get you," and hung up before Dahlia could respond.

"Eve," Charles said, stepping forward, "where are you headed? Let me drive you."

Evelyn didn't acknowledge him, not even with a sideways glance. Adam stepped in between them, shooting Charles a look. "I'll take her," he said firmly.

Charles watched Evelyn's indifferent profile as she walked away but didn't follow.

...

Aiden dropped Dahlia back at Greenrose. As she settled into her wheelchair, she thanked him with a smile. "Thanks for the trouble, Aiden."

"No trouble at all, Ms. Dahlia," Aiden replied politely.

Once inside, Dahlia's smile vanished, replaced by a cold, hard look. She sensed Aiden's attitude had shifted. Charles had just distanced himself from her, and now Aiden's demeanor reflected that change.

Her mind replayed Charles's call, thenoveldrama

way he said "Eve." Had he stayed with Evelyn the whole night? Evelyn that troublesome woman. Causing chaos and still expecting peace? She brought this on herself. Rumor had it she found her real mom. If family meant that much to her. swnovel

Two years ago, Charlie's death had shattered her. Now, if something happened to

her mother, could Evelyn handle it? Dahlia's eyes gleamed with malice.