The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 476

Originally, Dahlia thought that once her role as Charles's "true love" was out in the open, he'd put some distance between himself and Sandy. But to her surprise, Sandy held a way more important spot in Charles's heart than Dahlia had ever guessed. Even though he got mad at himself, he just couldn't let Sandy get hurt, not even a little bit. What seemed like a no-way-out situation quickly turned around.

Dahlia managed to send off the nurse taking care of Sandy—a nurse Charles had hired, worried she might spill some beans. Once the nurse left, Dahlia looked at Sandy with such warmth that it made Sandy shiver a bit. She longed for her mom's affection but was scared of it too. Every time her mom looked at her with those gentle eyes, hurt was never far behind.

Dahlia kissed Sandy's cheek and whispered softly in her ear, teaching her something new. "Do you remember?" she asked after.

"Yes, Mommy, Sandy remembers everything," Sandy replied with a nod, obediently repeating everything back to Dahlia, almost word for word. Pleased, Dahlia gave her another kiss and then picked up her phone to make a call.

Meanwhile, Charles had just left Sandy to go see Josephine. He didn’t go into her room, though. He knew Josephine and Eve didn’t want to see him until he'd avenged Charlie. Afraid of upsetting Josephine and messing up her recovery, he stayed out of sight. Still, he checked in daily with Andrew about how Josephine was doing. Whatever she needed—medicines, special meals—Charles made sure Andrew arranged it all, hoping she'd get better soon and live a long, healthy life.

Charles had told Andrew to keep this a secret, but Andrew, wanting to score some points, let it slip to Josephine and Evelyn. Evelyn didn’t reject the help, but she didn’t care much either. In her mind, her mom's health issues were all Dahlia's doing. If Charles hadn’t covered for Dahlia, she wouldn't have gotten away with so much. They were both to blame.

Josephine overheard Evelyn and glanced over to where Charles stood, always in that spot just out of her easy view whenever she came down for her exercise. She knew Charles saw her as a second mother. When he was ten, his mom had died saving him right before his eyes. Initially, he placed all his longing for his mom onto Josephine. Later, because of Debbie, he genuinely respected her as family. Josephine was aware of his true feelings. That's why, after they crossed paths again, he couldn't help but get close. He was a kid who felt deeply.

“Charles, I’m sorry. It’s my fault Sandy got caught up in this. I didn’t think they’d follow me here. I’m sorry I didn’t protect her,” the nurse apologized.

Before she could say more, Dahlia came out of the back room, grabbing a coat. She looked worse for wear—her hair a mess, egg yolk and food stuck to her. Her skin was scratched all over, and her clothes were torn, revealing bits of her skin. Charles quickly looked away, his expression growing colder.

Realizing her disheveled state, Dahlia wrapped herself in the coat, standing by the bed with tears silently falling as she looked at Sandy. "Daddy, it wasn’t Mom’s fault. Those people who barged in were just so mean, really mean. They wouldn’t listen to reason. As soon as they saw Mom, they started hitting her and threw trash at her."