The Day Our Promise Breaks

"Sena, when are you going to stop this nonsense?"

He shoved her aside swiftly. His face was a mask of ice as he pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed a number. "Aiden, come up and take Sena to the police station," he commanded. Sena's eyes widened in shock.

Evelyn had ticked off her to-do list for the day. She had zero interest in sticking around for Dahlia's fake drama. With a dismissive glance, she grabbed her phone from the coffee table and headed for the exit.

Just as she reached the door, she overheard Charles arranging for Sena's trip to the police station. Sena's desperate cries echoed behind her. "Charles, you're sending me to the cops for a timeout just because I slapped Dahlia?"

Charles didn't bother replying. The answer was as clear as day. Sena had dared to strike the one person he cherished most, right under his nose. Blood relation or not, he wasn't having any of it.

Evelyn's lips curled into a chilly smile. Without a backward glance, she walked out.

...

Once outside the club, Evelyn stood by the entrance, phone in hand, ready to call a cab. A group of guys walked out and immediately spotted her. Her striking features made her hard to miss. They noticed she was alone and approached, "Hey there, gorgeous, how about a ride?" One of them reached for her waist. Evelyn's hand was already on the pepper spray in her bag, ready to teach him a lesson. But before she could act, a scream pierced the air, loud enough to wake the dead. "Ah!"

The guy's hand hadn't even brushed her, before it was caught and twisted by another's strong grip until it snapped. Evelyn traced that firm hand upward, meeting Charles' cold, steely eyes. The men recognized Charles, and their bravado evaporated as they stammered apologies.

"Scram!" Charles barked, his voice cutting through like ice. They stumbled away, tripping over themselves in their haste.

Charles turned to Evelyn. "Haven't I told you? If anyone tries to mess with you, fight back. Break bones if you have to. I've got your back!"

Those words once made her young heart race. Back then, she foolishly believed he meant every word and that he'd always stand by her. But now, hearing them again, Evelyn felt nothing.noveldrama

She didn't reply and just stepped forward to leave. Charles reached out, catching her hand. "Eve."

That single word, "Eve," seemed to

carry the weight of time. Ever since he'd convinced himself she'd

drugged him, his disdain was palpable, and he had used her name with a distance that chilled her.

swnovel

She'd imagined countless times how she'd react if he ever called her "Eve" again. She thought she'd be thrilled. But now, it just turned her stomach.

"Charles, don't make me sick."

Her face was expressionless as she brushed off his hand. Charles hadn't used much force, so she shook him off easily. Seeing her reaction, Charles reached out again. This time he pulled her close, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"Charles, let go!"

Evelyn struggled, but Charles held firm. "Eve, we need to talk!"

His grip tightened, making her efforts to escape futile. Just then the valet pulled up with Charles' car. The door swung open, and Charles, with a firm yet gentle hold, ushered Evelyn inside.