The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 158

"Damn it, bitch! Are you asking for trouble?"

The man's eyes blazed with rage as he lunged at Evelyn. She lay sprawled on the ground, watching him charge, feeling too weak to fight back. Her only defense was to curl up tightly, clutching Charlie's locket to her chest like a lifeline.

"Hand it over!"

The man was used to hard labor, and had a grip like a vise. His hand clamped down on Evelyn's arm, trying to pry it open. But he wasn't ready for Evelyn's fierce determination. Despite his bulging veins and all the strength he could muster, he couldn't make her let go.

Furious, he snarled, "Damn it! I'm gonna show you!"

He stood up, swearing under his breath. When he couldn't pry her hands apart, he resorted to kicking. His foot came crashing down on Evelyn. He was used to coming home drunk and hitting his wife, so he had no qualms about being rough. Fueled by anger, his kicks were even more brutal.

Each blow sent waves of pain through Evelyn, forcing her to curl up tighter. As her consciousness started to slip away, she held onto the locket for dear life, not letting go even in her delirium.

Her mind flashed back to the day Charlie died. During countless sleepless nights, tossing and turning, she'd often wonder if only she'd caught Charlie's lies sooner, if she'd checked on her at the amusement park earlier, maybe her condition wouldn't have worsened. Maybe she wouldn't have... died. Evelyn loathed Dahlia, resented Charles, and never forgave herself. The guilt of not protecting Charlie weighed heavily on her.

"Charlie, don't worry. Mommy will keep you safe this time."

She couldn't let the locket be taken and discarded in some forgotten place. Charlie would be scared.