The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 665

Charles thought he was ready for this.

From the moment he decided to let Charlie undergo hypnosis, he’d known that when she remembered everything, she’d never forgive him. He’d pictured this confrontation a hundred times, but actually facing his daughter’s open resentment and rejection was a whole different kind of pain—one that squeezed his heart till he could barely breathe.

Once upon a time, Charlie had adored him. She used to look up at him with eyes full of pure, unfiltered love.

He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t secretly hoped for a miracle. That even if Charlie remembered, even if she was hurt, maybe—just maybe—her love would be enough to give him a chance to fix what he’d broken.

But that was just wishful thinking.

“Charlie, I’m sorry. Daddy—” His voice was hoarse and shaky, every word heavy with helplessness and pleading.

He tried to apologize, but Charlie, eyes rimmed red and brimming with tears, cut him off before he could finish. She shook her head, her voice breaking as she sobbed, “You’re not my daddy. You’re Sandy’s daddy.”

Each word hit Charles like a shard of ice, sharp and cruel, cutting straight into his chest.

Charlie pressed her lips together, fighting to hold back even more tears.

He didn’t love her.

He only loved Sandy.

He never believed anything Charlie said—always Sandy.

He always took Sandy’s side, always comforted Sandy, always called Charlie a liar.

In his heart, there was only ever Sandy. Charlie had never really belonged.

The ache and injustice overwhelmed her, washing over her small body like a tidal wave.

“Mommy, I don’t want to see him. Please, make him go. I don’t want a daddy anymore. Never again.”

Like a wounded bird searching for shelter, Charlie spun and threw herself into Evelyn’s arms, her little body shaking with sobs as she buried her face in her mother’s chest.

Her tears soaked through Evelyn’s shirt, leaving a wet patch that stung like an open wound.

Evelyn’s heart twisted painfully. She knew Charlie was remembering the time Charles broke his promise—the day he rented out the whole amusement park for Sandy’s birthday, setting off fireworks just for her.

After what felt like forever, he finally managed to rasp, “Okay. Daddy will go.”

His eyes lingered on them, unwilling to let go, but at last he turned his wheelchair and slowly rolled to the door.

At the threshold, he looked back. Charlie never looked up.

She was really, truly done with him. She’d lost all hope in her father.

The door closed quietly behind him.

But Charles didn’t leave.

His wheelchair sat motionless by the wall outside, his broad shoulders slumped as if the world had come crashing down on him.

He dropped his head, burying his face in his hands.

His palms were warm and wet—soaked with his tears.