The Day Our Promise Breaks

Charles knelt at the side of the hospital bed, one knee pressing into the glossy floor. He reached out, his hand trembling ever so slightly as he tried to place it gently on Evelyn's stomach. The excitement on his face was impossible to miss.

But before he could even touch her, Evelyn batted his hand away, her expression icy and implacable. "Charles, don't touch me."

“Okay, okay, Eve. I won't. Please, don't be upset." He wanted so badly to feel her belly, to connect with the life he hoped was growing inside her. But he knew any stress could hurt her, and that was the last thing he wanted. He pulled his hand back, trying to hide his disappointment.

...

Evelyn lowered her gaze, lashes veiling her eyes. Charles's sudden appearance had completely thrown her off. She'd already agonized over the decision to end this pregnancy-now she had to deal with him too, and it was almost more than she could bear.

She took a slow, steady breath, forcing herself to calm down. From the way Charles was acting, it was obvious he'd already found out. And the way he looked at her-so hopeful and emotional-he must be convinced the baby was his.

Evelyn knew better than anyone how much Charles wanted her to have another child. After Charlie died, the guilt had chewed him up inside. He'd never forgiven himself. And now, he was desperate for another chance, as if it could somehow make things right.

If Charles believed this was his child, he'd never let her go through with the abortion. But Evelyn was done-she refused to be tied to him any longer, refused to let her life spiral back into misery.

She knew exactly what Charles was capable of. She wouldn't make the same mistake twice. She had to make sure he never suspected the truth.

With a plan forming in her mind, Evelyn looked up and met Charles's eager eyes. Her tone dripped with sarcasm. "Charles, you don't actually think this baby is yours, do you?"

The look of excitement slipped right off his face, replaced by shock. Her words were like a splash of ice water.

Was she saying the baby wasn't his?

"What's that look for? Did you really think the baby was yours? Charles, you saw me that night—I took the morning-after pill right in front of you. Two of them, actually."

"There's no way I could be pregnant with your child. And I'd never let myself end up in that situation again."

Her tone was final-no room for argument.

That night, she'd barely noticed Charles at first, lost in her own world. It wasn't until after she'd taken the pills, called Brooks, and was heading upstairs that she saw his car parked outside. He'd been following her.

She'd told him about the two pills on purpose. She wanted him to know just how much she didn't want his child. She needed him to believe the baby wasn't his.

And it worked.

The excitement drained from Charles's face, leaving him pale and defeated.

Of course. He'd seen her take the pills himself. The baby couldn't be his.

The hope that had flared inside him crashed down in an instant. He'd been so happy when the doctor told him Evelyn was pregnant, thinking fate had given him another shot. But it was just wishful thinking. The baby was Brooks's, not his.

Bitter disappointment settled in his chest.

With a child, everything would fall into place. Evelyn would marry Brooks, become Mrs. Brooks, and move on without him.

"Charles, I need to rest now," Evelyn said, her voice cool and dismissive.

Charles pushed himself up slowly, his left leg still stiff from old injuries. He'd knelt too long and almost stumbled as he stood. Evelyn's eyes lingered on him for a moment, then flicked away.

"Evelyn..." he started, his voice rough with emotion.

Just then, Brooks returned from the hallway, having finished talking to the doctor. He paused when he saw Charles, giving only a chilly nod of acknowledgment.noveldrama

That night, Brooks hadn't blamed Evelyn, but he still hadn't forgiven Charles for taking her away. The memory still stung.

"Brooks." The moment Evelyn saw him, her whole demeanor softened. She reached out for him, her eyes warm.

Their eyes met, and Brooks seemed to understand immediately. He hurried to her side, set down a tray of food, then took her hand in his and gently rested his other hand on her stomach. "Are you feeling alright? Any discomfort?"

"I'm fine," Evelyn said with a gentle smile.

Their quiet, intimate exchange made Charles's heart ache. It was karma, he thought bitterly. How many times had he flaunted his affection for Dahlia in front of Evelyn, never once considering her feelings?

Now, he finally understood the pain he'd caused.

"Mr. Jenkins, Evelyn and the baby need rest. You can see yourself out," Brooks

said, his voice polite but ice-cold.

Charles's eyes lingered on Evelyn-her head bowed, her face soft with happiness as Brooks tenderly cradled her stomach. She was genuinely happy about this child-Brooks's child.

After a moment, Charles turned and left.

Once the door closed, Evelyn's smile faded. But her hand stayed protectively over her stomach.

Brooks held her hand. He could feel her reluctance, her sadness.

"Eve, now that Charles believes the baby is mine, we can keep it. Trust me—I'II love this child like my own."