The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 198

The glass had shattered twice, slipping right out of his hands. Trying to piece it back together was no easy task. But Charles thought of Charlie and wasn’t about to throw in the towel. As he carefully worked on the pieces, he’d glance over at Evelyn, sprawled out on the big bed nearby, making sure she was still comfortably asleep before getting back to his project.

In the middle of it all, he noticed Evelyn stirring in her sleep and looking a bit uneasy. Charles quickly got up and headed over to her, gently checking her forehead. She felt a little warm, so he hurried downstairs, grabbed a thermometer, and took her temperature. She just had a slight fever.

He remembered that, back at Maple Garden, Evelyn had a similar fever after she fainted. Dr. Nelson had mentioned it was due to exhaustion, which weakened her immune system and caused a fever. If it wasn't too bad, there was no need for meds—just some good old-fashioned cooling would do the trick.

Charles ducked into the bathroom, soaked a towel, and brought it back to place on Evelyn's forehead. As he did, he heard her muttering something in her sleep. It reminded him of the last time when she had dreamed, begging him not to leave her. Leaning in closer to catch her words, he heard her whisper his name, “Charles…”

His gaze softened, and he was touched by the fact that she still cared. His heart felt like it was wrapped in warmth. He gently held her hand, whispering softly in her ear, “Eve, I’m here…”

Apparently, Evelyn heard him in her dreams. Her brow furrowed, and she muttered irritably, “Go away!”

The tenderness on Charles' face vanished, replaced by a stunned look. That single, harsh statement quickly doused the small spark of joy in his heart.

...

Her movement immediately woke Charles. He opened his eyes, concern etched on his face, and asked, “You’re awake? Are you feeling okay?”

He reached out to check her forehead, but she snapped, “Don’t touch me!” Her hand hadn’t even reached him when she slapped it away. Her face was full of disdain.

Without sparing him a glance, Evelyn got out of bed. Noticing the pajamas she was wearing, her eyes grew colder. She didn’t say much and just headed to the closet to change. When she emerged, she saw Charles standing by the door, holding a familiar cup. Evelyn recognized it instantly as the birthday gift Charlie had made for Charles. It had been shattered yesterday, but now Charles held it lovingly in his hands.

Charles, having put the cup back together just before dawn, had been sitting by Evelyn’s bedside, reflecting on how things had changed between them since Charlie’s birthday. He had promised to take her to the amusement park but had broken that promise.