The Day Our Promise Breaks

Charles's voice was soft as velvet, but every word was firm as steel.

Evelyn shot him a glare, her frustration bubbling over into a sharp, bitter laugh. "Charles, the baby's in my body. I'd like to see you try and stop me if I decide not to keep it!"

"Eve, please tell me what I have to do for you to keep our baby."

Seeing her anger, Charles's tone gentled, almost pleading. He knelt beside her hospital bed, desperation in his eyes.

He wanted this baby-his and Evelyn's. He knew it was the last thing connecting them. As long as she was carrying his child, he still had a chance. He wanted that chance more than anything. She was the girl he'd set his heart on since he was ten. If it were up to him, he'd never let her go.

"Eve, this is a life. Could you really be that heartless and let her go?"

Charles's eyes were shining, on the verge of tears.

Before Evelyn could answer, the hospital room door swung open.

Brooks strode in.

"Eve-"

Just two hours earlier, he'd been in a meeting when Aaron's call came through.

"Brooks, what happened?"

Brooks was completely thrown. "What?"

"Aunt Josephine just called the hotel-she's canceling the engagement dinner."

Aaron had taken charge of the engagement party to make amends. The second the hotel manager got the call, he rang Aaron, who then called Brooks.

After what happened a month ago, Aaron had nearly lost Brooks as a friend. He'd been determined to give Brooks and Evelyn a grand, flawless celebration. Now, before any of that could happen, it was suddenly canceled.

"Cancel the engagement dinner?"

Brooks knew instantly something was wrong. His face went pale. He paused the meeting, asked his assistant to take over, and walked out.

He called Evelyn-no answer.

His worry only deepened.

He didn't even call his mom. He just drove straight to the Robinson Estate.

The moment he walked in, he could feel the tension.

Mrs. Robinson sat on the couch, clearly waiting for him.

She knew Brooks would rush home as soon as he heard the news, ready for

answers.

"Mom, what's going on? Where's Eve?"

Brooks scanned the room-no sign of Evelyn. He crossed to the couch, concern etched across his face.

Mrs. Robinson looked at her son-the one who'd always made her proud-and felt her anger swell. Why Evelyn, of all people?

“You have the nerve to ask me what happened? Brooks, are you under some

willind of spell? You're actually

to help Charles raise his child!"

Charles had told her

everything Evelyn hadn't crossed that line with Brooks. Which meant they hadn't been together. Brooks

hadn't touched her, yet Tone

pregnant. So Brooks must have known. He knew the child wasn't his, and still, he was ready to step up and play dad!

"Mom, you've got it all wrong. That night, it was an accident. Aaron spiked

Evelyn's drink-she was drugged, that's the only reason="

"She had no idea what she was doing. She's not to blame!"noveldrama

Brooks tried to explain, but his mother's expression only hardened.

"Not to blame? She's been with you, then wen to bed with Charles and

got pregnant. That's the truth!

never accept a woman like her as my daughter-in-law!"

"Mom, Evelyn's a victim here too."

Brooks's voice was low, his jaw tight.

"A victim? She's still tangled up with Charles even now! Brooks, open your eyes!

You could be with any woman you want-why her?"

Mrs. Robinson's anger was written all over her face.

"She's the only one I want."

Brooks knew he couldn't change his mother's mind, but he made his choice clear before leaving, his mind only on Evelyn.

Mrs. Robinson tried to stop him, but he didn't look back.

The moment Brooks found Evelyn was at the hospital, he sped over without hesitation.

...

As soon as Evelyn saw Brooks, all the armor she'd put up against Charles melted

away. The second Brooks took her hand, her eyes filled with tears.

He pulled her close, holding her tight. Charles watched, and a cold, heavy ache settled in his chest.