The Day Our Promise Breaks

Evelyn looked up at Brooks, her voice gentle but unwavering. "Brooks, I know you'd treat this child as your own, but... I can't keep the baby."

The life inside her tugged at her heart; letting go wouldn't be easy.

But deep down, she knew this was a choice she had to make. It wasn't fair to Brooks. It wasn't fair to herself. And she refused to let Charles have any reason to worm his way back into her world.

Between her and Charles was the shadow of Charlie's death-a pain that would never fade.

Holding onto any thread of the past would only hurt her more.

So, even if it broke her heart, she would not waver.

"Have they set the surgery date? Can it be done today?"

Brooks met her gaze and saw the determination in her eyes.

He squeezed her hand. "The doctor says your body needs a little time to recover.

You should stay here and rest for two days first. Then they'll arrange the procedure."

"Alright," Evelyn whispered, nodding.

Brooks spotted the fatigue etched across her features and softened his voice. "Get some rest. I asked the kitchen back home to prepare something healthy for you-grilled fish, veggies, and fresh fruit. I'll wake you when it arrives."

Ever since Mrs. Robinson's illness, the estate's kitchen had been run by chefs handpicked for their skill with nutritious meals.

They never missed the little details.

"Thank you," Evelyn murmured, letting Brooks help her ease back onto the bed.

These past weeks had wrung her out; her body was running on empty. The moment she closed her eyes, she drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Brooks stayed at her side, holding her hand, keeping watch.

At the Robinson Estate, the kitchen staff carefully packed up the meal. Just as a housekeeper was about to leave for the hospital, she ran into Wiona.

"Ma'am," the housekeeper greeted her.

"What's in the bag?" Wiona asked, glancing at the food containers.

"Mr. Charles called and asked the kitchen to make a nutritious meal," the housekeeper replied.

Wiona didn't need to ask who it was for.

She knew her son-Charles had never gone out of his way for his own health, let alone arranged for a special meal. There was only one person who could have inspired this kind of attention: Evelyn.

Thinking of Evelyn, Wiona felt a complicated mix of emotions.

She found herself liking Evelyn more and more, especially seeing the effort she put into the Robinson Group. The way Brooks had managed to finish the old man's last request-all thanks to Evelyn.

Wiona knew Evelyn put up with her for Brooks' sake. She fought for the Robinson Group for Brooks too.

"Give it to me," Wiona suddenly said, her voice unreadable.

The housekeeper hesitated, uncertain. "Ma'am..."

Everyone at the estate knew Wiona

hadn't always liked Evelyn. And this meal had been specifically ordered by Mr. Charles. She didn't dare cross

him.

"What's wrong? I'm not going to throw it away!" Wiona snapped, a little impatient.

"So, you mean...?" the housekeeper asked, testing the waters.

"I have plans tonight and I'll be passing by the office. I can deliver it myself."

Wiona wasn't about to admit this was just an excuse to check up on Evelyn.

"What are you waiting for?" she pressed.

Still, the housekeeper hesitated, and Wiona's impatience grew.

"Ma'am, the meal isn't going to the Robinson Group-it's for the hospital. Will you still be passing by?"

"The hospital?" Wiona's expression shifted.

Had Evelyn worked herself sick?noveldrama

Her tone turned sharp, laced with concern. "Which hospital?"

She didn't even realize the worry clouding her own eyes.

"St. Vincent's..." the housekeeper began.

"Get the car. I'm going to St.

Wiona ordered, grabbing

the meal and striding out the door, dropping all pretense.

At the hospital, Wiona arrived at Evelyn's room, meal in hand.

She spotted Evelyn asleep, Brooks sitting quietly by her bedside.

Choosing not to disturb them, she made her way to the doctor's office to speak with Evelyn's physician directly.

It wasn't that she doubted her son's feelings, but men could be so

inattentive. She wanted to know ne

exactly what Evelyn needed to recover.

After all, Evelyn had landed in the hospital for the Robinson Group's sake.

She found the doctor, and after a brief conversation-

"What did you just say? She's pregnant?"