The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 83

Once Evelyn finally gave in, Charles' face softened. "Alright." He jumped up, pulling Evelyn to her feet, eager to head out. They made their way to the garage and climbed into the car.

"Where to?" Charles asked as he helped Evelyn with her seatbelt.

"I'll guide you," she replied, hesitant to mention the cemetery, fearing he'd call her crazy like before.

"Okay," he said, lost in the thought of seeing Charlie soon and not sweating the small stuff.

As the car rolled out of the garage, silence filled the space between them. They were each lost in their own thoughts. Evelyn focused on the road, pointing out directions. Halfway through, Charles' phone rang. It was Dahlia.

Evelyn stiffened at the familiar ringtone, her eyes snapping to Charles. He met her icy gaze and knew she didn’t want him to answer. He compromised and silenced the call, but it rang again instantly.

As Charles moved to answer, Evelyn's voice cut through the air, cold and firm. "Charles, this is your last chance. Miss it, and you'll never see Charlie again." She was betting on his choice. If he chose Dahlia now, she wouldn't take him to Charlie. Charles frowned, hating to be threatened but also aching to see Charlie. Just as he was about to turn off his phone, a text popped up: [Charles, please, pick up. If you don't, Sandy and I will be in danger.]

The urgency in the message shifted his focus immediately. Ignoring Evelyn, he called back. Evelyn's heart sank, feeling like a weight pressed down on her chest. The call connected, and Dahlia's panicked voice filled the car. "Charles, help us." Her voice was loud enough for Evelyn to catch every word.

"What’s going on?" Charles' face hardened, his grip on the wheel tightening.

"I don't know who spilled about the jewelry contest’s insider scoop, but some guy's gone crazy, accusing me of ruining his life. He wants to kill me!" Dahlia cried out.

Charles was focused on reaching Dahlia and Sandy, and he slammed the accelerator, heading for Greenrose. Evelyn leaned back in her seat, dazed from the impact. They soon arrived at Greenrose's entrance. The gate recognized Charles' car and allowed him in without hesitation as if he owned the place.

Evelyn was still dizzy when Charles pulled her out, his grip unyielding. She stumbled along and was dragged into the house. The front door was ajar. Inside, evidence of Charles' life was everywhere. Unlike Oakwood Manor, this felt like his real home. Oakwood was just a retreat for his needs.

From inside, Dahlia’s desperate cries echoed, "No, please, let my daughter go. Don’t hurt her, I’m begging you."

Evelyn looked over to see Dahlia kneeling, disheveled and pleading. A few steps away stood a man with wild eyes and a knife, holding Sandy close. "You want to beg now? You thrive on deceit, and you deserve to die!" he yelled with madness in his eyes.