The Day Our Promise Breaks

"What's wrong? You look awful. Did the doctor check you out? Are you feeling sick anywhere?"

Brooks acted like Charles didn't even exist, his focus locked on Evelyn as he

leaned in, worry written all over his face.

Evelyn shook her head softly. "I'm fine."

Once he was sure she was okay, Brooks finally turned to Charles. "Thanks for bringing Evelyn to the hospital, Mr. Jenkins."

"She's alright now. We'll be heading out. I'll have my assistant send a thank-you to Jenkins Enterprises."

His words were polite enough, but the distance between them was clear.

Brooks helped Evelyn off the bed, ready to lead her away.

"Brooks, you're just going to take Eve and leave? Mrs. Robinson already knows the baby Evelyn's carrying is mine!"

Charles's tall frame blocked their way at the end of the bed.

"So what? I love Evelyn. As long as she wants to stay with me, I'll be by her side -whatever she decides."

Brooks held Evelyn's hand tightly. From the moment he learned she was pregnant, he hadn't wavered for a second.

"Oh, really?" Charles's voice carried a hint of sarcasm.

"Brooks, let's go." Evelyn didn't want to argue with Charles anymore. She understood what he was getting at, but this was between her and Brooks. They could talk once they were out of the hospital.

Charles didn't try to stop them.

But before they could leave the room, Brooks's phone rang.

It was his assistant.

The assistant knew Brooks had left work for something urgent and wouldn't call unless it was serious.

Brooks held Evelyn's hand, answering the call with his free hand.

"Mr. Brooks, the old manor just called. Mrs. Robinson had a sudden heart attack and was taken to the hospital. They couldn't reach you, so they called me."

Brooks's face drained of color, his mind blank for a moment.

When he'd gotten to the hospital earlier, he'd seen a call from the old manor. He'd thought it was his mother, probably trying to keep him from helping Evelyn, so he hadn't picked up.

He never expected this-

Evelyn, standing right beside him, heard everything.

The moment she realized Mrs.

Robinson had had a heart attack her face changed too. She squeezed

Brooks's hand, trying to reassure him. "Brooks, Aunt Josephine will be okay."

Without hesitation, she pulled Brooks toward the exit.

Charles didn't know exactly what had happened to Mrs. Robinson, but one look at

their faces told him it wasn't good.

He hurried after them. "Let me drive you."noveldrama

"That's not necessary," Evelyn said coolly.

Brooks was in no shape to drive, so she'd planned to take the wheel herself.

"Evelyn," Brooks said, gently stopping her. He didn't want her driving either, not given her own health.

"Get in," Charles said, opening the driver's door.

He motioned for Evelyn to sit in the passenger seat.

There was no time to argue about it. Evelyn ignored his suggestion and opened

the back door instead, pulling Brooks in with her.

Brooks glanced at Charles, his voice rough. "Thank you."

Charles gave a quick look at Evelyn in the rearview mirror-she didn't meet his eyes, her attention fixed on Brooks, worry etched acrosscher face.

Charles didn't say another word. He started the car and sped toward the hospital, driving as fast as he could while keeping it steady.

At the hospital

By the time they arrived, Mrs. Robinson had already been moved from the ER to a private room.

When Evelyn heard that Mrs. Robinson was okay, she stopped in the hallway.

"Brooks, I'm not going up. Take care of Aunt Josephine."

She knew Mrs. Robinson wouldn't want to see her right now. Showing up would only upset her-and that was the last thing Mrs. Robinson needed.

"Alright."

It took Brooks a few seconds to let go of her hand.

As he turned away, a heavy ache settled in his chest.