The Day Our Promise Breaks

"Charles, I'm not blaming you. I get it—you've got your reasons for making this choice. You're worried that if Evelyn finds out the truth later, she won't be able to handle it."

"I listened to you, and I didn't try to stop you."

"When you went to see Evelyn, I was secretly hoping I was just overthinking things. She's a mother who loves her child deeply, just like me. I thought she'd understand and not let our issues affect the kids, but..."

"Then I got the news that Adam wouldn't donate, and in that moment, my world fell apart."

"I've tried everything. I know Evelyn hates me, and they're refusing Sandy a kidney on purpose. So, I begged them."

"Evelyn made it even harder for me, asking me to kneel and bow to her in public. I

did it, but they still wouldn't agree to the donation."

"What else could I do? I can't just stand by and watch Sandy die..."

Dahlia was in tears, her words a desperate plea.

She knew Charles truly cared for Sandy, and he could feel the weight of her words. When he went to Evelyn, he had the same hope-hoping that Evelyn would let go of the grudges and not let them affect Sandy.

But he didn't know about the deep resentment between her and Evelyn. It wasn't just about taking what was meant for Charlie, which led to Charlie's death on the operating table. Evelyn's hatred was so intense, she wanted to see Dahlia utterly destroyed. How could she possibly agree to let Adam donate a kidney to Sandy?

"Even so, you shouldn't have sabotaged Adam! You knew he was preparing for the competition!"

Charles, despite Dahlia's tears, didn't show her any favoritism. His voice was cold. He understood her love for Sandy and her extreme actions, but her malicious behavior was beyond him. His Debbie was kind-hearted and wouldn't harm others, even for Sandy's sake.

"Yes, I know! But if I hadn't orchestrated that little accident, ruining his chances to compete, would you have helped me find him? You cared about his national pride, but I couldn't afford that."

"I know I'm selfish, and I can't worry about national honor. All I know is that Adam originally planned to donate his kidney, and he took out his anger on Sandy first. Without Adam's kidney, my Sandy would die."

"I'm just a mom; to me, my daughter's life is everything. For that, even if it means carrying the weight of infamy and guilt for a lifetime, I'm willing. I just want my Sandy to live!"

Two years ago, when Charles knew

she snatched the kidney meant for Charlie, she used this same

she u

reasoning to convince him. Though she didn't like Sandy and even

detested her, she had to admit that

sometimes, being a mother was

incredibly useful. A simple

declaration of doing anything for her

child could justify many of her

actions.

"Charles... I don't want to hurt anyone, but I really can't watch Sandy suffer."

Dahlia's cries grew more frantic. She reached out again to grasp Charles's hand.

This time, Charles didn't pull away.

Everyone could see Charles's resolve was slipping.

"Charles, you're hopeless!"noveldrama

Adam's expression hardened, unable

to hold back his anger. Evelyn had been right. Charles wasn't

vel?

trustworthy. Adam had thought he still had some humanity and rationality left, but in front of Dahlia, her tears made him lose all prínciples. Witnessing this, Adam felt even more sorry for the five years Evelyn had spent with Charles. He glanced at Evelyn, guilt in his eyes. But Evelyn was already used to it.

"Let's go."

Her objective was accomplished, and Charles's attitude didn't matter anymore. As they turned to leave, Dahlia clung to Charles's shirt, "Charles, Evelyn recorded what said in a moment of weakness. We can't let her expose me. What will happen to Sandy and me if she does? Sandy just had surgery; she can't handle any stress!"

"Charles, I didn't mean it. I know I was wrong. Please ask Evelyn to give me a chance!"

Meanwhile, Evelyn and Adam were already heading out. Just as they were about to get in the car, Charles ran after them, reaching out to grab Evelyn's hand. His lips pressed into a thin line as he said, "Eve, hand over the recorder."