The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 402

Charles stood with his back to Dahlia, deep in conversation with Andrew. Evelyn was a bundle of nerves, her mind consumed with worry for her mother. She couldn't be bothered with Dahlia just then. She rushed over to Andrew, gripping his arm tightly, her voice barely steady. "Dr. Nelson, where's my mom? How is she?"

Andrew met Evelyn's eyes, his face serious as he laid it out straight. "Ms. Evelyn, your mom had an accident, and things are looking critical. We need to operate immediately."

The urgency of the situation hit Evelyn like a bolt of lightning. She knew exactly what that meant. They’d held off on the surgery before because her mother’s health was too precarious. The odds of success had been slim, so they'd focused on getting her stronger first. But now, with her mom at her weakest...

The chances...

Evelyn felt herself teetering on the edge.

"Eve..."

From the moment Evelyn had arrived, Charles's focus had been solely on her. He reached out just in time to steady her.

Evelyn brushed off Charles’s support, swallowing down the rising tide of panic and fear. She looked Andrew straight in the eye, her voice raw, "Dr. Nelson, what are the odds for the surgery?"

"Ten percent."

Andrew held her gaze for a moment before answering truthfully.

At the mention of ten percent, tears welled up in Evelyn's eyes. She bit down hard on her lip.

Blood trickled from the fresh wound as she whispered, "There's no waiting, is there?"

"No."

Evelyn's lips quivered uncontrollably.

Charles tried to reassure her, "Eve, Andrew will do everything he can. Your mom will pull through."

Evelyn didn’t respond to Charles. The surgery was already being prepped. Charles had called in specialists who were nearby, and they’d all rushed over at his call.

With trembling hands, Evelyn took the consent form from Andrew and signed her name.