The Day Our Promise Breaks
Chapter 82

Charles felt a lump form in his throat. His thin lips quivered as he spoke in a raspy voice, "I'm sorry."

He hadn't realized that something as seemingly trivial as a trip to the amusement park could mean so much to Charlie.

Evelyn heard the hoarseness and genuine regret in Charles' voice and shut her eyes tightly. After a moment, she opened them, slowly turned her head, and glared at Charles, her eyes red and swollen from crying. His eyes looked a bit red, too. She said with emphasis, "Sorry? Charles, your apologies are worthless!"

Charles watched Evelyn, who was on the brink of breaking down. He remembered how Evelyn had pleaded with him for this chance, even going so far as to beg on her knees.

Initially, he had no time to spare. Sandy was scheduled for surgery, and she was terrified. He had promised Sandy he would be by her side until it was over.

When Evelyn first brought it up, he flat-out refused, but he hadn't expected Evelyn to be so desperate. In the end, he agreed, but he broke his promise anyway.

"I was wrong, and I'll make it up to Charlie." Charles' voice softened.

It was the first time he'd spoken to Evelyn in such a humble tone.

Evelyn clenched her fists. She didn't let up immediately but pressed further, "Make it up to me? How do you plan on making it up to me? Do you realize how long Charlie waited for you at the amusement park that day? From morning till night. Over ten hours. "It was thirteen degrees below zero that day.

"Charlie was just five. How could she handle that temperature? She stood there, stubbornly waiting for you in the biting cold.

"And where were you?"

Evelyn's words were meant to deepen Charles' guilt, but as she spoke, her tears started flowing again.

Charles, too, was pulled into the

memory by her words. He could almost envision Charlie standing in the amusement park, staring longingly towards the entrance and hoping he would show up.

The lump in Charles' throat grew, and he pushed down the discomfort in his chest, promising in a hushed voice, "Bring Charlie back home, and swear from now on, whenever she wants to go to the amusement park, I'll be there with her.

"Not just the amusement park-anything she wants. If I can make it happen, I will."

Evelyn didn't respond; she just kept her gaze on Charles. In that moment, she saw a flicker of remorse and regret in his eyes for their daughter. He wasn't entirely devoid of feelings for her.

Just earlier, she'd seen Charlie's drawings, and her heart ached for her daughter. It felt so unfair.

She'd heard his arrival but held all

her resentment in check. She had deliberately let him see the

drawings She wanted to know if he would remain cold and indifferent or be moved upon seeing Charlie's drawings, which were filled with love for her irresponsible father.

If he was moved, it meant he did care about Charlie. Then, she would tell him that Dahlia was the reason Charlie was gone. Would he choose Charlie, then? Maybe Charlie could find peace sooner.

"Evelyn, tell me, where is Charlie?" Charles took Evelyn's hand again, asking once more.

Evelyn looked deep into his eyes, fighting back the storm inside her, and replied as calmly as she could, "If you truly want to see Charlie, I'll take you to her right now."