The Day Our Promise Breaks

Everything that happened tonight was like a scene straight out of Brooks' daydreams. He and Evelyn were just like any other couple, cooking dinner together in the kitchen, sharing a meal, and doing the dishes side by side. These everyday moments were something he'd longed for over the years.

Turns out, people are always a bit greedy. When he couldn't have it, he managed to keep his feelings in check. But now that he could be close to her, even just minutes after parting, Brooks found himself missing Evelyn already. At nearly thirty, he felt a rush of teenage-like impulsiveness, something he hadn't experienced before.

Brooks tried to rein in his emotions, but his hands seemed to have a mind of their own. At the traffic light ahead, he abruptly turned the steering wheel, making a U- turn back to her place. Pulling up outside Evelyn's building, he spotted a familiar car-it was Charles'. In that moment, Brooks was relieved he had followed his gut.

He jumped out of the car and bolted up the stairs, too impatient to wait for the elevator. Reaching Evelyn's floor, he immediately saw Charles pestering her. With a sense of urgency, Brooks rushed up and grabbed Charles by the collar, yanking him back and delivering a swift punch to his face. Charles, caught off guard, stumbled backward.

By the time Charles regained his balance, Brooks was already by Evelyn's side, pulling her into a protective embrace. Evelyn, usually so guarded, leaned into Brooks, whispering softly, "Brooks..."

Seeing this, Charles felt a sharp pang in his chest. Evelyn clung to Brooks as if he were her lifeline, her body shaking like a leaf in the wind. "Brooks, get me out of here. I can't stand him," she pleaded, her voice trembling.

She knew Charles wouldn't leave easily, and his presence had sent her emotions into a tailspin, spiraling out of control. "Okay!" Brooks answered without hesitation, providing Evelyn with a sense of safety. She nestled deeper into his arms, while the pain in Charles's eyes intensified.

Why was she so reliant on Brooks? Charles's eyes narrowed, and he instinctively moved forward, intent on pulling Evelyn back. Seeing her so at ease in another man's arms ignited a fierce anger within him. But before he could get closer, Brooks's voice rang out, cold and sharp, "Charles, haven't you done enough to hurt Evelyn? Do you really want to push her over the edge?"

Brooks could see Evelyn was not well. Just days ago, she had nearly slipped away, and the thought of losing her again sent a chill down his spine. He couldn't go through that a second time.

Charles hesitated, his steps

faltering. Looking at Evelyn, he suddenly didn't have the heart to fight for her anymore. Brooks scooped Evelyn up and walked away with determination. Charles stood there, watching them disappear, feeling as though a piece of hisnoveldrama

heart had been ripped away.

...

As Brooks carried Evelyn down the stairs, she nestled into him, trembling more

with each step. "Brooks..." she called out softly.

"I'm here, don't worry, it's all okay now," Brooks reassured her, stopping to look at her with eyes full of concern.

"Take me to the Capstone Counseling Center," Evelyn said, her voice barely above a whisper. She hadn't told Brooks before, but it was her illness that had caused her to lose control. Back then, she didn't want him to get involved. Now, she didn't want to hide it anymore.

Hearing the name of the counseling center, Brooks's grip on her tightened as realization dawned. "Alright, let's go," he said, heading quickly to the car.

As Brooks drove away, a shadowy figure emerged it was Dahlia, who had been trailing Charles. She hadn't

anticipated uncovering something t

so significant. The Capstone Counseling Center was the Capital's most prestigious private clinic for mental health. Was Evelyn really unwell? To find out, Dahlia decided to follow them.