The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 678

Under the cascade of fireworks, Charles glanced sideways, his eyes drawn irresistibly to Evelyn. She stood right beside him, watching their daughter with the same quiet wonder, a gentle smile resting at the corner of her lips.

A cool night breeze played with Evelyn’s hair, softening her features in the shifting bursts of light. In that instant, with his beloved and their child so close, Charles felt a rush of happiness so real it hurt. For a fleeting moment, he let himself believe—maybe, just maybe, the three of them could start fresh.

His heart thudded, hope swelling.

He squeezed little Charlie’s hand, steadying her as she craned her neck skyward. With his other hand, Charles reached—slowly, nervously—for Evelyn’s. Sweat beaded on his palm as he hovered, barely daring to bridge the gap.

But before his fingers could graze hers, Evelyn flinched away as if burned. She didn’t look at him, not even a glance, just quietly moved a step further, widening the space between them. Her retreat was swift and unyielding, drawing a clear line that left no room for misunderstanding.

Charles’s hand froze in midair, his heart sinking like a stone.

Above them, fireworks kept blooming, but the warmth that had wrapped him just seconds ago vanished, leaving only cold reality behind.

He pulled his hand back in silence, a bitter ache twisting inside.

…

The fireworks fizzled out, the celebration winding down.

Charlie, worn out from all the excitement, finally surrendered to sleep. Her head nodded until, at last, she dozed off in Charles’s arms, her breathing slow and deep.

With Charlie asleep, Charles carried her towards the parked car, Evelyn quietly matching his steps. They didn’t speak. The city felt hushed around them.

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