The Day Our Promise Breaks

Charles came to a halt, his attention snagged by their desperate voices. The man speaking was practically begging, hope lighting up his eyes. "It's true, Mr. Jenkins... I'm not lying... She was the one who came on to us!" Dahlia was a real piece of work. If they hadn't lived through it themselves, they never would've believed the same woman who had flirted with them was now accusing them of assault.

"Mr. Jenkins, we swear!" another guy chimed in, trying to back up his buddy. They were earnest, almost pleading with Charles to believe them. They had no proof. If they did, they would've shown it ages ago to clear their names. Now, they were kicking themselves for falling into this trap. When she was seducing them, they thought they'd lucked out being in a spot without cameras watching. Now, they were left with nothing to defend themselves.

Charles' intense gaze swept over the two, who were practically swearing on their lives. But as they met his eyes, they didn't flinch or show any sign of guilt. Charles' eyes grew darker, more dangerous.

Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream ripped through the air. "Ah! Stay away... please... don't touch me... Charles... Charles..."

Dahlia's terrified cries yanked Charles' attention towards her. In an instant, he saw her huddled in the corner of the couch, clothes a mess. Her cheeks were still puffy from crying, and her face was streaked with tears. She was frantically waving her hands, refusing to let anyone near her.

"Dahlia!" Charles' heart clenched.

The sight hit him like a punch to the gut. Whatever flicker of emotion he had left turned to ice. He shot a look at his bodyguard, who immediately stepped in and stomped on the man who had been talking. "Do you really think you're someone Miss Dahlia would be interested in?"

Another bodyguard swiftly gagged

them before they could spout more lies. Who'd buy their story anyway? Mr. Jenkins was a man so

accomplished and devoted nenoveldrama

Why

would Dahlia ever go for these losers?

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The men were left with no chance to plead their case further and were dragged away by the bodyguards. Inside, Dahlia heard the ruckus

outside, and a sly smile brieflyel

flickered in her eyes before she hid it behind lowered lashes.

...

Charles wasted no time, striding into the room and shutting the door behind him. Dahlia seemed lost in her own little world, not even noticing his arrival. But in her

darkest moment, it was Charles she cried out for, her sobs growing more desperate with each call of his name.

"Dahlia," he said softly, moving quickly to her side. He knelt down, reaching out to hold her.

"No... don't touch me... No!" Dahlia looked shattered. Her voice was full of fear, as if she'd been through hell. She recoiled sharply at his touch.

"It's me, Dahlia. It's Charles. I'm here," he said, his voice gentle yet firm as if those words were a lifeline.

His words seemed to snap her out of it. Dahlia paused, her tear-filled eyes locking onto him. Her gaze was a mix of hope and fear. She looked terrified that she might be dreaming it all.

But then, she saw that familiar, concerned face. She didn't immediately fall into his arms but stared at him. Her voice sounded shaky. "Am I dreaming? Charles, is it really you?"