The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 84

Dahlia's eyes were puffy and red from crying, her voice filled with desperation. "Please, just let my daughter go. We can talk about whatever you want. She's innocent, I beg you. Don't hurt her!"

In a bid to convince the captor to release Sandy, Dahlia, right in front of Charles, suddenly dropped to her knees, bowing deeply.

She kept bowing even when her forehead started bleeding. It was almost like she couldn't feel the pain.

Charles' face changed drastically. He shook off Evelyn's grip and rushed inside.

Already feeling woozy, Evelyn stumbled and fell to the floor when Charles pushed her aside. She had to lean against the wall, and it took her a few seconds to shake off the dizziness and look up.

From where she lay, she could see the side of Dahlia's face. Between her bows, Dahlia seemed to shoot a glance at the man holding Sandy. It wasn't a look of fear or pleading, but like she was sending some kind of message...

Evelyn blinked, unsure if she was seeing things right. Could Dahlia really be so desperate to frame Evelyn that she'd hurt her own daughter?

Before Evelyn could get a better look, Dahlia had bowed her head again.

The man suddenly snapped. "Innocent? Your daughter will only grow up to be trouble, just like you. You both deserve to go to hell."

As Charles charged forward, the man lifted the kitchen knife he was holding and aimed it at Sandy’s chest.

"No!"

Dahlia's eyes went wide with terror, and she let out a piercing scream. She scrambled to her feet and rushed forward recklessly. She managed to push Sandy just enough to dodge a lethal blow, but the knife still caught Sandy's arm, slicing through her pajamas and leaving a long gash on her soft skin. Blood was gushing out immediately.

Sandy, who had been too terrified to speak, now cried out in pain, calling for Dahlia. "Ah... it hurts. Mommy, it hurts so much..."