The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 664

Her eyes wandered, unfocused, lingering on the ceiling for a moment.

Then, as if pulled by some invisible thread, her gaze drifted slowly to the side.

The first thing she saw was Evelyn, sitting at the edge of the bed—exhausted, worn down, but with hope shining bright in her eyes.

Their eyes met.

In an instant, tears spilled over in Evelyn’s eyes, blurring everything.

She bit down hard on her lower lip, fighting not to sob out loud. Her hand trembled as she reached out, wanting to touch, but too afraid to break the fragile moment.

“Mom... Mom?”

Charlie’s voice, weak but unmistakably clear, escaped her parched lips. It was soaked in doubt and raw emotion, as if she herself couldn’t believe it.

Just those two syllables swept away every shadow and hurt in Evelyn’s heart.

“Charlie! My Charlie!”

Evelyn couldn’t hold back anymore. She rushed to the bed, hands shaking as she cradled her daughter’s face, tears streaming down. “It’s me, darling! Mommy’s here! I’m right here!”

Her voice trembled, overflowing with wild relief and the terror of almost losing her.

Charlie gazed at Evelyn’s familiar face—suddenly, all the memories she’d been forced to forget came rushing back.

Her mother’s gentle touch.

Her mother’s warm embrace.

Every little bit of care and love and comfort she’d ever known.

“Mommy!”

Charlie broke down, wailing as she threw herself into Evelyn’s arms, wrapping her little arms tightly around her mother’s neck, sobbing so hard it hurt. “Mommy, I missed you so much! I was so scared! I thought... I thought I’d never see you again!”

Her whole body shook with every sob, her cheeks turning red, as if she could pour out every ounce of fear, longing, and the wild joy of being found again in her tears.

Evelyn’s heart splintered and healed all at once with each cry.

She hugged Charlie tight, feeling the warmth and trust in her daughter’s trembling body.

She pressed frantic kisses to Charlie’s damp forehead and soft hair, whispering over and over, “I’m here! I’m not going anywhere! Mommy will always be here! My baby, my Charlie, you really came back…”

A few steps away, Charles watched the two of them, mother and daughter locked in each other’s arms.

He saw the love and trust Charlie had for Evelyn.

He was happy for them, he really was.

But his heart was in his throat.

She’d waited for him at the amusement park all day.

He never came. She waited until she was shivering from cold, got so sick she collapsed, coughing up blood—and still, he never showed.

Even then, she hadn’t blamed him.

She thought maybe something important came up—Dad had to work; he was always busy.

But that wasn’t it at all.

He hadn’t missed her birthday because he was busy. He’d skipped it to be with Sandy, celebrating her birthday instead.

He’d rented out the whole Magic Kingdom, set off fireworks, all for Sandy.

Thinking of that, Charlie’s little face crumpled.

Tears welled up in her eyes again.

And right then, she knew for certain—her dad didn’t love her, not even a little bit.

Charles felt his heart crack under her gaze. He pushed his wheelchair forward, voice shaky and soft, “Charlie...”

“Go away! I don’t want to see you!”

Charlie’s voice rang out, sharp and trembling, thick with hurt and accusation.