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.