The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 298

Just as Charles looked up, a tour group of middle-aged folks, led by a guide waving a little flag, strolled by, chatting and laughing. The flag briefly blocked his view. Brooks, holding Evelyn's hand, slipped past him from the other side of the crowd. Charles felt an instinctive urge to turn around, just as a sweet voice called out, “Daddy!”

It was Sandy, back from her autumn camp. After two weeks apart, Sandy dashed toward Charles. He crouched down, just like when she was little, and caught her in his arms. “Daddy, I missed you so much,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and playfully pouting. Over the past couple of years, Charles's affection for her hadn’t waned one bit, and her love for him had only grown stronger.

When she first met Charles, her mom had told her to win his favor, to make him like her. She aimed to make her mom happy by liking her dad. But now, she truly loved her father—wanted him to always be her daddy, her daddy alone. She felt relieved that Charlie was gone. Now, Daddy was hers alone.

“Mr. Jenkins,” a teacher approached, respectfully greeting Charles. He exchanged a few polite words with the teacher, his tone gentle but with a hint of detachment. Sandy stood closely by his side, tightly holding his large hand. Her smile was sweet, and seeing the other parents either looking at her father with reverence or flattery made her feel proud.

Charles didn’t linger long, nodding to the teacher and leading Sandy away. “Daddy, where's Mommy?” Charles was about to answer when a gentle voice called out, “Sandy.”

“Mommy!” Sandy’s smile grew even sweeter as she pulled Charles towards Dahlia, who was seated in a wheelchair. “Weren’t you supposed to wait in the car for Sandy?” Charles asked, looking down at Dahlia.