The Day Our Promise Breaks

"I've hit that age. After this competition, it's time for me to hang up my boots. So, losing a kidney isn't a big deal for me, but it could save a family. Isn't that worth it?" Adam felt a heavy sadness and regret over Charlie's death. He had stood by Evelyn long enough to understand the struggle of finding a compatible kidney donor. And how many lives were lost waiting for a match. Like Evelyn, he wished for fewer families to be torn apart by illness. Evelyn was at a loss for words. Adam gently patted her head.

In Sandy's hospital room, Charles was busy weaving Sandy's hair into pretty little braids. Sandy loved looking cute and adored being the center of attention. Ever since they returned home, she loved when Charles styled her hair in all sorts of beautiful braids. Initially, Charles didn't have a clue how to braid, but Sandy's charming pleas were irresistible, so he learned just to keep his daughter from shedding tears. Whenever Charles was around, Sandy's braids were a testament to his handiwork. He'd become quite the pro; Sandy would show him new styles, and he'd nail them effortlessly.

"Daddy, it looks amazing. Sandy loves it. Thanks, Daddy." Sandy gave Charles a peck on the cheek, admiring her reflection with pride. She used to brag about her dad's beautiful braids to Charlie when he was alive. Although Charlie's mom could braid nicely too, having her dad do it was something else. Charlie was always a bit envious. Sandy knew Charles wasn't her biological father, but it didn't matter. She had more love and care than Charlie ever did. Even the biological connection couldn't compare to what she had.

"As long as you like it," Charles said, gently patting Sandy's head. Every time he looked at Sandy, memories of Charlie would flood back. He couldn't help but wonder what Charlie would have been like at seven if she had lived. If she were still here, he'd braid her hair too and fulfill her every wish. But Charlie was gone. She died when he was most desperate to make amends, leaving him with the biggest regret of his life. Charles looked at Sandy, lost in his thoughts.noveldrama

"Charles, Sandy's got a chance!" Dahlia's voice rang out excitedly from the hallway. Charles snapped back to reality and turned to see Dahlia entering with a wheelchair. He asked, with anticipation, "Did they find a donor?"

"Yes, Dr. Liu just informed me they found a match. Everything lines up for Sandy. Thank goodness, our Sandy has hope now." Overwhelmed with relief, Dahlia threw herself into Charles's arms. Charles felt a wave of emotion, understanding her feelings as a mother, and gently patted her back. It took a moment for Dahlia to calm down. Charles gently pushed her back to ask, "Who's the donor?"

Charles was profoundly grateful to the donor. Even if they wanted to keep it hush- hush, he wanted to find a way to show his gratitude or offer help if they needed it. Dahlia hesitated briefly. She hadn't intended to tell Charles, fearing he might oppose it since Adam was a close friend of Evelyn's. But then she realized, Charles loved Sandy so much that he'd do anything for her, even if it meant pushing Adam to donate. Dahlia decided to be straightforward, "It's Adam."

Hearing Adam's name, Charles's joyful expression froze. His first thought was of Evelyn, who despised Dahlia and resented Sandy for receiving Charlie's kidney. If she found out Adam's kidney was being used for Sandy...