The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 657

Charles was overwhelmed, his heart pounding in his chest. The rush of emotion was too much for his weakened body. He’d only just come to, and before he could say a single word, he slipped right back into unconsciousness.

This time, Andrew didn’t panic. He watched the monitor, saw that the numbers were steady, and turned to Francis. “Charles is okay. He’s just too weak right now—he needs sleep, that’s all.” He waved for the emergency staff to leave, wanting to give Charles the peace he needed most: rest.

…

Next door, Evelyn kept her silent vigil at Charlie’s bedside. She’d heard Charles had woken up, but didn’t go to see him, didn’t even ask how he was doing. Her whole world was right there, in her daughter.

She sat at the edge of the bed, her gaze gentle and unwavering, drinking in the sight of Charlie’s pale, fragile face. She held her daughter’s hand, brushing her fingers softly through Charlie’s fine hair. Every now and then, she would lean down and press a warm kiss to Charlie’s cool hand, as if she could will her back to life.

Time crawled by, minute by minute. Charlie had been unconscious for hours—more than a dozen—and still showed no signs of waking. At first, Evelyn waited quietly, but as the hours dragged on, worry gnawed at her.

Andrew tried to reassure her again and again. “Charlie’s really okay,” he promised. “She’s just weak, that’s all.” But Evelyn couldn’t help the fear that kept creeping in. Her mind kept replaying the past: that same pale face, years ago, being rushed into the ER because of kidney failure—and never opening her eyes again.

To this day, Evelyn didn’t understand how the daughter she’d watched die had somehow come back. But right now, none of that mattered. All that mattered was that Charlie was here, alive, breathing. That miracle made Evelyn even more terrified of losing her again.

“Ms. Evelyn, Charlie won’t wake up for a while,” Andrew said softly. “Let me look after her. Why don’t you get some rest?” He was worried—Evelyn hadn’t slept in over twenty-four hours.

“Charles, Charlie’s right next door with Ms. Evelyn. She’s alright. You don’t need to worry about her. You need to focus on getting better,” Andrew said, knowing exactly why Charles wanted to get up, but not willing to let him risk it.

“This time, I want to be there. I want Charlie to wake up and see both her mom and dad by her side.”

He knew he wasn’t strong enough to take care of Charlie, not really. But he needed to be there for her. Deep down, he knew that’s what Charlie wanted most—for her dad to be there. He couldn’t let her down again.