The Day Our Promise Breaks

He had prepared everything Josephine would need after her discharge-

nutritional supplements, protein shakes, even a basket of fresh fruit. There wasn't

a single thing missing.

He was genuinely trying.

He wanted to make up for the past, to earn forgiveness.

But some things, once done, cannot be undone.

Some connections, once missed, are lost forever.

Josephine kept her expression neutral. She glanced over the items, then looked away.

"We'll take these," she said coolly. "But go and tell your Mr. Jenkins that if he thinks a few gifts will earn Eve's or my forgiveness, he's dreaming. These are what he owes Evelyn, nothing more!"

Before Evelyn could respond, Adam stepped forward and tossed five sets of property deeds on the table, making it clear their business was done.

They'd take what was owed, but if Charles thought this would soften Evelyn or her godmother, he was sorely mistaken.

Aiden had expected a fight to get Evelyn to accept these things. To his surprise, it was all so easy.

No matter what Adam said, once they accepted the items, his job was done.noveldrama

Adam had already pressed the elevator button. He hadn't explicitly told Aiden to leave, but the message was clear. Knowing when not to overstay his welcome, Aiden nodded politely to everyone and left.

The elevator doors slid shut.

Evelyn didn't argue with Adam. After all these years, they were the ones who understood each other best.

She knew exactly what Adam was thinking.

Take Charles's money-why not?

Adam thought she'd wasted five years with Charles, unloved and unrecognized, only to be hurt again and again.

Adam had always thought she deserved better.

In Adam's eyes, nothing Charles could give would ever truly make up for the pain

he caused. Handing over everything he owned wouldn't be too much.

"Why turn down good money?" Adam said, handing the deeds to Evelyn. Evelyn accepted them.

She'd never intended to refuse.

Like Adam said, there was no reason to make things harder for herself.

"Brooks, don't get the wrong idea," Josephine whispered to Brooks, worried he'd misunderstand. "Eve accepting these doesn't mean she forgives Charles."

"Ms. Josephine, I know," Brooks replied gently. "This is only what Evelyn deserves."

Relieved, Josephine gave him a small smile.

They all stepped inside.

Brooks's phone rang.

His assistant was calling.

Brooks went to take the call in the hallway.

The assistant had heard Josephine was being discharged early and wanted to know if he should bring over the care package Brooks had specially prepared.

Brooks glanced at the stack of supplements by the door and replied in his deep voice, "No need to bring them up."

But Adam overheard and called from the doorway, "Of course you should bring them! What else is godmother supposed to eat? Right, godmother?"

Josephine, inside the apartment, called back, "Of course."

Adam walked over to Brooks, clapping him on the shoulder. "Godmother doesn't just accept supplements from anyone, you know."

Charles had sent plenty to the hospital, but Brooks had always made sure Josephine got his.

She only ever touched what Brooks brought.

Everything from Charles, she had Adam drop off at the local retirement home.

She'd even had Andrew tell Charles to stop sending things, but Charles persisted.

This time, Charles had managed to get his delivery in before Brooks. But Josephine, as always, chose Brooks's.

"I'll have these sent to the retirement home later," Adam said, pointing at Charles's packages on the floor.

The sadness in Brooks's eyes vanished. He immediately told his assistant to bring up the care package.

...

Downstairs, Charles stood watching as all the things he'd bought were carried away.

Adam didn't bother to be polite.

"Charles, belated affection is

worthless. Nothing can undo

at

happened to Charlie or whatyou did

to Evelyn."

"Evelyn won't forgive you, and neither will godmother. Everything you're doing is pointless."

Charles pressed his lips together, silent.

He didn't agree with Adam, but he didn't try to stop him either.

He knew Adam wouldn't do this unless Ms. Josephine and Evelyn refused to take what he'd sent.

Soon, Brooks's assistant arrived and carried up a nearly identical set of care packages.

Charles's heart grew heavier.

He felt lost.

Ms. Josephine truly no longer acknowledged him, no longer accepted anything from him-not even kindness.

...

Dahlia brought Sandy back from the police station to the shabby little apartment where Wesley lived.

When Sandy learned that Charles had reclaimed the Greenrose house and she and her mother would have to live in this tiny, rundown place, her face fell.

She hadn't even thought before she grabbed her smartwatch and tried to call

Charles.

She wanted her father.

How could she live in a place like this?

How could her father let her live like this?

But the call wouldn't go through-her number had been blocked.

Sandy's face went pale.

Dahlia watched in silence.

Sandy hung up and looked fearfully at her mother. "Mom..."

If Dad didn't want her, then surely Mom wouldn't either.

A wave of terror washed over her.

"Do you want your father to love you again?"