The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 160

"Evelyn!" Brooks' voice was full of concern as he watched her with eyes that mirrored his worry.

He dropped to one knee, removing his coat to gently wrap it around her fragile frame. Carefully, he lifted her from the ground, mindful of her every bruise and ache from the man's relentless kicks. Though he couldn't see the injuries beneath her clothes, her soft, unconscious moans of pain spoke volumes, deepening the sorrow in his eyes.

Brooks' touch grew more tender as he cradled Evelyn in his arms. His assistant arrived in a sleek black Mercedes, the urgency in his arrival palpable. Brooks swiftly carried her into the car, his voice firm as he directed, "To the hospital!" The car sped off into the night, headlights cutting through the darkness as they raced toward help.

At the hospital, Evelyn lay weak and fragile on the bed. Brooks sat at her side, his eyes never leaving her. He’s replaying the doctor's words about her bruises. The thought of her suffering made his heart ache fiercely.

As Evelyn slowly returned to consciousness, her eyes met Brooks'. She was still hazy from sleep. For a fleeting moment, she questioned whether she'd imagined the tenderness in his gaze. How could Brooks, who was always composed, show such worry and pain?

"I'm sorry, I was too late," Brooks said, his voice filled with regret, cutting through her muddled thoughts. The raw emotion was gone as quickly as it appeared, leaving Evelyn second-guessing her own perception.

She didn't want him to worry, so she forced a smile, trying to lighten the moment. "Brooks, don't be so hard on yourself. I should be thanking you. If you hadn't found me when you did, I'd be front-page news tomorrow."

"With me around, nothing will happen to you," Brooks replied instinctively, his words carrying a weighty promise that caught Evelyn off guard. Still, they warmed her heart.