The Day Our Promise Breaks

"Charles, it was Evelyn... she's the one who did this to me," Dahlia whimpered, each breath a reminder of her pain.

Seeing Charles' face cloud with worry, Dahlia leaned in closer, her voice trembling as she poured out her accusations against Evelyn.

"She's really crossed the line this time."

"I didn't do anything wrong. I was just at the police station, trying to wrap my head around everything from last night, and I stepped out to wait for you..."

"I spotted her at the door and made sure to keep my distance, but Evelyn just charged at me without warning. I couldn't even defend myself."

"Charles, what does Evelyn want from me? I can't take this anymore."

Dahlia's tears flowed freely as she clung to Charles, clearly aiming for his sympathy. She secretly wished he'd go and give Evelyn a taste of her own medicine to ease the burning anger inside her.

With her legs unable to support her, Charles' strong arm was the only thing keeping her upright. Seizing the moment, Dahlia snuggled closer to Charles, her arms wrapped around his waist, her tear-filled eyes silently staking her claim in front of Evelyn.

Charles is mine!

Evelyn watched Dahlia's theatrics with a stony expression, showing no sign of remorse for the altercation. She took a tissue from Brooks, meticulously wiping her hands clean from having hit Dahlia, and then tossed it onto Dahlia's face. It wasn't painful, but the insult was clear, making Dahlia feel like she was being treated like dirt.

"Evelyn!"

Dahlia was fuming, itching to tear into Evelyn. But with her mobility limited, all she could do was glare at Evelyn before turning to Charles, pulling at his hand as she complained, "Charles, Evelyn's gone too far. She beat me up and doesn't even care."

"I'm going to report her to the police. Take me there. I won't let her get away with this."noveldrama

That awful Evelyn, daring to act like that right in front of Charles, was going to pay.

Charles didn't say a word, just lifted her into the wheelchair with a silent nod toward calling the police. As soon as she was settled, Dahlia started to wheel herself toward the station to make her report.

She wasn't about to let Evelyn off the hook, but just as she moved, Charles placed a firm hand on her shoulder.

"Charles?"

"Dahlia, Charlie's gone, and Aunt Josephine is all Evelyn has left. No matter what, Wesley tried to hurt her mom because of you. Now her mom's in a coma, and EvelyR's not

in a great place."

Dahlia looked at Charles, stunned.

Was he saying that just because Evelyn's mom was in a coma, it was okay for Evelyn to take it out on her?

"Charles, can't you see? I've got bruises all over my face from Evelyn!"

Did he not see her injuries? Didn't he care?

She was Debbie, the one he promised to always protect!

"Are you really going to let this slide just because Evelyn's having a bad day?"

"Charles, you promised you'd never let anything bad happen to me. Is this what you meant by that?"

Tears streamed down Dahlia's cheeks.

This was real heartbreak.

When did Charles, who always had her back, start siding with Evelyn?

How could he do this to her?

"Dahlia!"

Charles didn't waver, his gaze steady on her.

His message was clear: he didn't want her to pursue this.

Dahlia felt frustration boiling inside She'd

Sever imagined Charles would

react like this, seeing her in such a state.

Her heart

as full of anger and

ddable eyes, she f

but faced with

deep,

had to give in.

When Charles always stood by her without question, she could do as she

pleased.