The Day Our Promise Breaks

The words echoed through the years, intertwining the past and present.

"Yes, Dahlia, I promised I'd never let you get hurt again."noveldrama

That single promise was all Dahlia needed to hear. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she threw herself into Charles' arms. "Charles..."

She sobbed, her voice breaking with emotion. "Thank you for coming!"

Charles, feeling her pain deeply, gently lifted her into his arms. "Don't worry, I'll take you home."

"Okay," she murmured, clinging to his neck. Her face was pressed against his chest, and her body trembled with lingering fear. It was as if she couldn't bear to let go, seeking his comfort all the way back. Charles held her close in the backseat, his voice steady as he instructed the driver to head back to Greenrose.

By the time they reached Greenrose, it was pushing ten.

Charles carried Dahlia inside, where the housekeeper, alerted by their arrival, stepped out and greeted them warmly. "Mr. Jenkins, Ms. Dahlia, Sandy's already asleep."

"Thank you," Charles replied softly, then leaned down to murmur reassuringly to Dahlia, still nestled in his arms. "We're home."

But Dahlia held on. She's still wrapped in her cocoon of insecurity, as if she hadn't heard a thing.

Noticing her distress, Charles nodded to the housekeeper. "Could you bring some chamomile tea to the bedroom?"

Then, he carried Dahlia to her room, gently laying her on the bed and tucking her in with care. His voice was soft and soothing. "It's alright now. Just get some rest."

He turned to leave, but Dahlia's hand shot out, holding onto his. "Charles, don't leave."

He paused, looking down at her. Her eyes, wet with unshed tears, pleaded with him.

"Please, Charles. Stay with me tonight. I'm really scared," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Every time I close my eyes, the memories come rushing back... I'm truly frightened. Please, stay."

Ever since Daklia returned, she had dropped hints about wanting him to stay. Though they never married, for five years, he had remained steadfast, as if marriage itself had bound him. His principles wouldn't allow him to be with Dahlia until he'd ended things with Evelyn

Sensing his resolve, Dahlia had never pressed further.

Now, seeing Dahlia's fear, Charles was reminded of years ago, and his heart softened. He sat back down beside her. "Alright, I'll stay. I won't leave. Just relax and try to sleep."

Deep down, Dahlia hoped Charles would lie beside her, holding her through the night. She imagined being close to him, thinking that maybe, just maybe, tonight he'd finally be hers. However, Charles simply sat by the bed, his actions making his boundaries clear.

Dahlia, wise as she was, didn't push further. Tonight, he was here, and perhaps next time, she could convince him to stay a little longer.

The housekeeper brought the tea, and Dahlia drank it obediently. She lay back down and held onto Charles' hand, resting it by her face, her eyes full of dependency.

As sleep tugged at her, she gazed at

Charles with a mix of affection and longing, whispering softly, "Please stay." The tone was just the kind that could tug at a man's heartstrings.

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