The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 270

When Dahlia caught the disappointed look in Charles's eyes, her tears fell even more fiercely. She shook her head over and over, insisting, “It’s not like that, it’s not.”

“Charlie is your daughter. How could I not see her life as precious?” she pleaded. “I checked Charlie’s medical records, and at the time, her condition didn’t seem that critical. I thought she could wait, but my Sandy, she couldn’t wait any longer.”

“Without that kidney, Sandy would’ve died…”

Dahlia sobbed uncontrollably. Seeing no sign of Charles softening, she suddenly raised her hand.

“Slap—”

“Slap—”

She began to hit herself, each slap landing hard as she berated, “I’m so selfish, I deserve this!”

She wasn't faking it; every slap was fierce and sincere. Soon, her cheeks were visibly red and swollen.

Charles's lips were pressed into a tight line. Hearing Dahlia admit her guilt made him furious, yet watching her self-inflicted punishment, he couldn't help but reach out to stop her. “Enough.”

That single word, “enough,” left Dahlia unable to cry out loud.

“Charles… I’m truly sorry. Taking away Charlie’s kidney has weighed on my heart every day.”

“I’ve been terrified, wanting to tell you but not knowing how.”

“I was scared you’d blame me, be disappointed in me, leave me…”

“Then you mentioned Evelyn had hidden Charlie, and I thought she was okay.”