The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 500

His mind was a whirlwind of his mother's words; his father had headed to the cemetery early that morning to be with Lila. He spent the whole day there. As the evening shadows lengthened, Charles still hadn't shown up. Sandy clenched her fists tightly. She was furious with Lila. Even in death, Lila was stealing her father away, making him spend Sandy's birthday at that cold, lifeless cemetery instead of with her.

"Lila!" she thought bitterly. Her mother had been right. Lila was nothing but trouble! Just like her mother, always stirring things up, trying to take Dad away! Sandy couldn’t tell how long she waited, but eventually, she ran back to her room, tears streaming down her face.

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At the Cemetery

It was Lila's memorial day. Josephine, Evelyn, Adam, and Brooks had all arrived bright and early. By the time they got there, Charles was already present. Although none of them wanted to see Charles, they chose not to cause a scene in front of Lila on this day.

Charles had brought along a mountain of items. Several cars were needed to transport everything. After Evelyn had burned the offerings she prepared for Lila, they all sat down and spent a long time reminiscing with her. Due to Josephine's health issues, they only stayed at the cemetery for the morning before leaving. Charles stayed behind.

He made trip after trip, personally carrying the things he had prepared for Lila and burning them one by one. He talked to her. The entire afternoon was spent tending to Lila's memory. Once he was done, Charles meticulously cleaned Lila's tombstone until it was spotless. Lila had always been such a tidy little girl.

After cleaning, Charles sat by her grave, clutching a video he had watched countless times. It was the only connection he had left to Lila. Over the past two years, Charles lost track of how many times he had watched it. Each viewing deepened his regret. Upon realizing Eve was actually Debbie, he wished he could travel back seven years to knock some sense into his past self. He truly regretted everything.

Once inside, he moved quietly, making his way upstairs without anyone noticing. Passing by Dahlia's room, he stopped outside Sandy's. Not wanting to wake her, Charles turned the doorknob gently. The door opened with barely a sound. As he nudged it open, he heard movement inside. Charles paused, surprised Sandy was still awake.

Just as he pondered this, he heard a familiar voice. It was Sandy. But what she said hit Charles like a bolt from the blue. He heard Sandy's voice, filled with anger, "Lila, you little brat, even in death you're trying to steal my dad. I curse you to the deepest pits of hell, never to be reincarnated!"

Charles stood at the door, unable to believe his ears.