The Day Our Promise Breaks

But all she got from Charles was a sharp, "It won't happen." The message was clear: he wouldn't hurt Evelyn. She had almost died, and for what? This kind of protection was something Dahlia couldn't wrap her head around. She burst out, "Charles, are you shielding Evelyn because you feel guilty about Charlie's death, or have you actually fallen in love with her?!"

As soon as she asked, Dahlia locked her gaze on Charles, watching for any hint of emotion on his face. Two years ago, she had asked him the same question. Back then, Charles had instantly denied it. But now, he was silent, and that silence cut through Dahlia like a knife, bringing tears to her eyes yet again. This time, the tears were real, born from genuine heartache.

No. She was Debbie. She was the woman Charles loved most. He couldn't have changed his heart. Dahlia couldn't bear the thought that even while pretending to be Debbie, she couldn't keep Charles's love.

Over the years, she had enjoyed the perks of being his idealized love. She knew better than anyone how much Charles treasured Debbie. It was precisely because of this deep care that she couldn't handle the idea that even as Debbie, he didn't love her anymore. Did that mean she had lost to Evelyn? This woman she had always looked down upon, how could she possibly win?

"Charles, is it because of what happened with Wesley? Are you jealous, mad at me?"

"No."

When the subject came up again, Charles remained calm. He knew the anger he felt last night was rooted in Dahlia's deceit, not jealousy. But Dahlia didn't buy it.

"Charles, let me explain."

"Believe me, the only person I love is you. What happened with Wesley was just physical, like those five years you spent with Evelyn."

It was just physical, nothing emotional. "I don't love him. Emotionally, I've never betrayed you."

"We can both leave the past behind. Let's not hold grudges anymore. I swear, I'll be faithful to you from now on."

She had simply made a mistake, one

many men make. Charles cared deeply for her; surely, he would forgive her. Besides, hadn't he spent five years with Evelyn? Charles could surely understand. When you truly love someone, aren't you supposed to be forgiving? swnovel

She hadn't fought or argued with him about those five years with Evelyn. Seeing Charles remain silent, she flung off the covers and got out of bed rushing toward him without hesitation. Charles stepped forward immediately, reaching out to steady her. Dahlia took the chance to grab his hand, "Charles, I won't hold anything against Evelyn, and I won't bring up the past. Can we start fresh from today?" swnovel

"Dahlia, you don't need to be loyal to me anymore," Charles said, gently pulling his hand away.

"Don't worry, I promised to take care of you for life, and that won't change."

"Everything will remain as it is; you and Sandy won't have to struggle."

He would make sure they had a comfortable life. To him, that money was nothing.

It was his way of keeping his promise.

"Charles, don't say things in anger. I love you, I can't live without you..."

"Dahlia, do you really love me?"noveldrama

If she truly loved him, how could she be tangled up with Wesley? And as for him, had he changed his heart long ago? Otherwise, why had he found Evelyn's company so alluring for those five years?

Charles left. Dahlia crumpled onto the bed, and amid her crushing despair, a fierce hatred bubbled up within her. The wedge between her and Charles was all Evelyn's doing. Evelyn! Dahlia clenched her O uninjured hand with resolve. She wouldn't let her get away with this! swnovel