The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 506

"Dad, are you really going to give up on her?"

...

Charles left Rosewood Estates, driving straight to Evelyn’s neighborhood. Ever since she moved in, he spared no expense, buying the apartments directly above and next to hers. The gate recognized his car, allowing him entry.

Charles parked beneath their building. It was nearly three in the morning. The neighborhood was silent, but his mind was anything but at ease. Unveiling Dahlia's true intentions at Rosewood had stirred a storm inside him. It wasn't about Dahlia—it was about his own ignorance and poor judgment.

The signs had been glaringly obvious. How had he missed them? From the moment Dahlia appeared, masquerading as Debbie, he was swept up in a wave of misplaced joy. The thrill of regaining something lost made him cling to her even tighter, especially when she claimed Ms. Josephine had passed away. He lavished upon Dahlia the affection meant for Ms. Josephine.

Countless times, Dahlia twisted stories to make it seem like Eve was the villain. Trusting Debbie's facade, he backed the wrong horse, unknowingly enabling the injustice and causing Eve so much pain. For a decade, every misstep was a debt he owed Eve. His mistaken belief was no excuse. Those wounds were real, and he was painfully wrong.

Sitting in the car, clutching a small figure bearing Charlie's name, Charles’s eyes were bloodshot, like they could bleed. The guilt was suffocating, like a tidal wave threatening to drown him. He had failed Eve. And Charlie. Unable to restrain himself, Charles slapped his own face, hard, twice. He was truly despicable. How could he have done such heartless things? Eve was right to call him a beast.

Suddenly, Charles swung open the car door, striding forward with purpose. He swiped his card, entered the building, and took the elevator. Reaching Evelyn’s floor, he stepped out. At her door, Charles paused. He didn’t knock or try the code. Instead, he dropped to his knees in front of Evelyn’s door.