The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 511

"Using Charlie's ashes as leverage, forcing Evelyn to grovel and humiliate herself—Dahlia was hell-bent on pushing Evelyn to the edge of despair."

Brooks paused, his gaze hardening as he looked at Charles. His heart ached for Evelyn. Even if Charles hadn't been the one wielding the knife, he was still part of the problem.

"Evelyn was backed into a corner by Dahlia, and that's why she lashed out and pushed her down the hill."

"Charles, did you get that? Dahlia's paralysis is on her; Evelyn had nothing to do with it!"

These were parts of Evelyn's past she wished to leave behind, but Brooks wasn't about to let Charles off the hook. He wanted Charles to feel the weight of his actions and suffer, if only to balance the scales a tiny bit for Evelyn.

Brooks had his own reasons too. He needed Charles to see just how deeply he'd hurt Evelyn, to realize he didn't deserve her forgiveness, and that he should spend his days living with that regret.

After speaking, Brooks turned away from Charles and knocked on the door. Evelyn answered quickly, wearing an apron and having already wiped away her tears. She stepped aside to let him in.

Brooks entered, putting on the matching slippers he'd brought over after Evelyn visited his place. They were now a permanent fixture by the door, and Evelyn hadn't objected.

Outside, Charles felt bitterness well up inside him as he watched Evelyn and Brooks together. Jealousy gnawed at his insides, but he couldn't bring himself to claim Evelyn as his own. As Evelyn had pointed out, he hadn't avenged Charlie. He wasn't even in a position to apologize.

After standing there for a moment, Charles turned and left. He went downstairs, got into his car, and as he sat there, a steely resolve filled his eyes. He pulled out his phone and dialed.

Upstairs, Brooks looked at Evelyn's red-rimmed eyes with concern. "Evelyn, I'm sorry for reopening old wounds."

Though it had been over two years, Brooks knew those scars were still etched deeply into Evelyn's heart, always ready to throb with pain.

Evelyn shook her head gently. "I get why you did it. You wanted Charles to see the mess he made. You were standing up for me and Charlie, wanting him to feel the hurt."

She understood Brooks' intentions and didn't hold it against him.

Brooks watched Evelyn's determined expression. He knew her harsh stance on Charles stemmed from the pain of losing Charlie. But what if Charlie hadn't died?

Brooks thought of a little girl he'd seen abroad who bore a striking resemblance to Charlie. His first reaction had been a rush of hope. Even now, he couldn't shake the idea that maybe she wasn't just a lookalike, but really was Charlie.

No matter how far-fetched, he clung to that hope. If Charlie were alive, it would bring Evelyn immeasurable joy. But he also feared that if Charlie were truly alive, Evelyn's hatred for Charles might fade. He worried that if Charles made a sincere effort to win her back, the years of love Evelyn had for him might soften her resolve.

Despite meeting Evelyn first, Brooks knew Charles had deeper ties with her. Before Brooks and Evelyn reconnected in college, she'd spent a decade with Charles, pouring her heart entirely into him.

Her world revolved around Charles, leaving no room for anyone else. She hadn't noticed Brooks' constant presence, his eyes always on her. Even when Charles' indifference hurt her, Brooks had been there, ready to offer comfort.

He had tried to reach out to her, but Evelyn had brushed him off without a second glance, coldly dismissing his concern.

For Charles, Evelyn had turned away all other possibilities. Brooks knew better than anyone how deeply Evelyn loved Charles.