The Day Our Promise Breaks

Evelyn didn't even glance at Charles as she brushed him aside and made a beeline for Aiden.

"Aiden, where's the surveillance footage?" she demanded, her voice edged with urgency. She couldn't shake off the feeling that her mom's sudden health decline had something to do with Dahlia.

Charles gave a subtle nod, and Aiden handed the footage over to Evelyn. Standing close by, Charles gestured for Aiden to help Dahlia back into her wheelchair.

Josephine had been taken by the caretaker to a quiet spot, away from the prying eyes of any cameras. The footage captured a handful of people rushing toward the stairs, and soon after, a nurse arriving with a stretcher to bring Josephine and Dahlia back.

But how did she fall? What happened just before remained anyone's guess.

"Mr. Jenkins, I've called those folks over," Aiden said, breaking the tense silence.

Charles nodded, signaling for them to come in. Realizing honesty was their best bet, they eagerly recounted what had happened.

"We were walking by when we heard cries for help. We rushed over and saw her," one witness said, pointing to Dahlia. "She was sitting next to the unconscious woman, crying and begging us to help. We didn't want to move the patient, so we quickly got a nurse..."

Their story lined up perfectly with Dahlia's.

Dahlia, sitting in her wheelchair, looked at Charles with tear-filled eyes, the silent accusation of his doubts evident in her gaze. Charles got the message.

The recent events had indeed rattled his once rock-solid trust in Dahlia. His doubts had hurt her deeply.

He already felt guilty for breaking the promises he'd made to her. Now, realizing his mistake, Charles's expression softened as he looked at Dahlia.

"It's not that I don't believe you," he began.

"I know," Dahlia interjected gently. "You're aware of how much Evelyn

misunderstands you. You just wanted proof to back your innocence."

Dahlia smoothed over Charles's words, subtly hinting to Evelyn that his quest for

evidence was more about protecting himself than her.

After speaking, Dahlia clutched Charles's hand, her voice breaking.noveldrama

"Charles, I'm really hurting."

She was reminding Charles of her

innocence, hinting at the u G's actions. In the past,

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would have insisted that Evelyn apologize. fo swnovel

The thought of Evelyn being forced to say sorry, even when she believed she was right, had dulled the sting of the slap. But once again, hero expectations crumbled. swnovel.net

Charles just turned to Aiden and said, "Take Dahlia home."

"Charles..." Dahlia's voice was filled with disbelief. How could he stand by Evelyn like this?

"Dahlia, go home. Don't make me repeat myself a third time."

Charles knew Evelyn had her issues with Dahlia and didn't want her around. And he didn't trust leaving her there alone.

Dahlia wanted to argue, but Aiden was already on the move. Before she could protest, he had her wheelchair turned and was wheeling her out of the room.

Evelyn didn't stop Dahlia from leaving. Without solid proof, there wasn't much she could do. Even if she tried, Charles would step in to shield Dahlia.

With her emotions cooling, Evelyn felt utterly drained. She quietly returned to the door of the operating room, standing there as if time had rewound to the day of Charlie's surgery. swnovel