The Day Our Promise Breaks

The doctor ran a series of tests on Evelyn, and with each one, he looked more and more concerned. "Do you realize how severe your menstrual cramps are?" he scolded, his voice stern. "How could you even think of taking such a high dose to induce your period?"

"Are you not worried about your health anymore?" he added, clearly upset by how some women mistreat their bodies.

Evelyn, understanding the doctor's genuine concern, replied in a faint whisper. Seeing her discomfort, the doctor softened his tone. "Don't do this again. If you keep it up, you might not be able to have children in the future," he warned, noting how young she was.

"Okay," Evelyn murmured softly.

The doctor left her to rest and stepped out of the room.

Charles, who had been waiting outside, walked in, his expression cold and severe. He had overheard everything between Evelyn and the doctor. Her current state was all because she'd recklessly taken medication, disregarding her health.

It was clear why she wanted to push her cycle forward-she didn't want him near her. Did she really loathe him that much? To avoid him, she would go to such lengths!

Charles's chest rose and fell with anger as he stood by the bed, bending down to whisper in Evelyn's ear, "If you pull this stunt again, your mom's surgery won't happen."

Evelyn's eyes flew open, meeting Charles's icy stare. He was furious-and all because she had put a stop to their night together.

Evelyn clenched her teeth. "Charles, if Dahlia can't satisfy you, there are plenty of other women out there who would. Why force me?"

"You just need to understand-you have no choice," Charles responded, offering no further explanation.

Evelyn was in too much pain to argue. It was pointless, a waste of energy. She closed her eyes. The doctor had added medication to her IV, and soon, she drifted into a drowsy sleep.

Charles stayed by the bed, gently wiping the cold sweat from Evelyn's forehead with a tissue, his touch unexpectedly tender. Evelyn, deep in sleep was oblivious to it. And even if she did know, she wouldn't care.

BUMS

**Greenrose**

That morning, Dahlia had asked the housekeeper to pick up groceries, making sure to get all of Charles's favorites. With the housekeeper's. help, she prepared a heartfelt lunch. Once everything was packed Dahlia planned to take it over to Charles. noveldrama

The bodyguard was already waiting outside as Dahlia maneuvered her wheelchair toward the door.

Suddenly, her phone rang. Dahlia's expression shifted dramatically at the sound of the ringtone. She'd set it specifically for Wesley, never expecting to hear it again. Yet, here he was, calling.

Feeling unsettled, Dahlia signaled the bodyguard to step aside and answered the call, her mind racing. "Wesley?"

"Dahlia, I have great news!" Wesley's voice crackled with excitement.

Unlike his enthusiasm, Dahlia forced herself to respond calmly, "What good news?" The answer seemed obvious, but she clung to denial, hoping it wasn't true.

But Wesley quickly shattered her hopes. "Dahlia, I'm out. I'm free."

Dahlia's face fell, a sense of unease creeping into her heart with Wesley's release.