The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 661

Holding Evelyn’s cold hand, Charles looked up at her, his heart aching in ways he couldn’t put into words.

“Eve…”

Evelyn jerked her hand away, glaring down at him, her eyes burning with anger.

“I’m sorry.”

Charles’s own eyes were rimmed red.

He knew all too well how much Charlie’s rejection cut into Eve—how deep that pain went.

Evelyn pressed her lips together, her eyes welling up with unshed tears.

Charles wanted to say something to comfort her, but before he could, a small figure on the bed began to toss and turn, her sleep disturbed by another nightmare. Soft, panicked sobs filled the room. “Daddy… Daddy…”

That was Luna’s handiwork—she’d planted the idea in Charlie’s mind to keep Charles away from Evelyn, using his guilt to pull him back to the house.

Every time Charlie fell asleep, the nightmares came.

Her tiny hands reached out into the empty air, as if searching for something—or someone—to anchor her.

“Charlie, it’s okay. Daddy’s here. I’m right here.”

Charles answered her instantly, his voice gentle and steady.

Evelyn’s heart ached for her daughter. Seeing Charlie so frightened made her want to rush to her side, but she remembered how Charlie had pushed her away before. She stopped herself, standing frozen in place.

Charles noticed.

He stopped pushing the wheelchair, turning to Evelyn with concern. He squeezed her hand a little tighter. “It’s okay. She’s still asleep.”

Evelyn couldn’t resist the chance to be near Charlie.

Almost without thinking, she let Charles guide her to the bedside, her steps a little unsteady.

“Daddy…”

Charlie whimpered, still lost in her dream.

Charles pulled Evelyn closer, reaching out his big hand to gently catch Charlie’s flailing fingers. “Charlie, Daddy’s here. Don’t be scared.”

Still asleep, Charlie seemed to calm at Charles’s voice, snuggling closer and grabbing hold of his shirt like it was a lifeline.

By morning, Evelyn didn’t want to leave, but she slipped quietly out of the room before Charlie woke up.

...

When Charlie opened her eyes, the first thing she asked was, “Daddy, where’s Mommy? I want Mommy.”

Charles knew the “Mommy” she meant was Luna, not Eve.

“Charlie, how about some breakfast first?”

He dodged the question, offering a gentle distraction.

Charlie nodded, always used to listening to her dad.

Evelyn had made breakfast herself.

As Charlie ate, Charles and Evelyn waited outside, both of them holding their breath, hearts pounding with hope and worry.