The Day Our Promise Breaks

In the blink of an eye, he snapped back to reality, shifting his focus to the surveillance screens before him. That evening, Dahlia had set up a meeting with Wesley at the Grand Hotel, and she was bringing Sandy along to meet him. Wesley didn't need to think twice when he heard Sandy would be there; he agreed on the spot. However, Brooks was holed up in his mansion, where guards were stationed everywhere, and he was busy plotting his escape.

"Brooks..."

"Evelyn..."

Both turned their heads at almost the exact moment. They were so close, their noses practically brushed against each other, their breaths mingling in the tight space. Evelyn suddenly realized just how near they were, and a warm flush spread behind her ears. She instinctively leaned back, creating some space.

In just a few moments, she collected herself, looked up to meet Brooks' deep-set eyes, and said, "Brooks, remember when John was the only one who knew Dahlia deliberately caused Charlie's death? He was a threat, and Dahlia was ruthless enough to make sure he was silenced for good, just to save her own skin. Grandma wanted justice for Charlie, but Dahlia was always one step ahead."

"That woman will do anything to protect herself. Now that she knows Wesley has something over her, she won't just let that slide."

Evelyn thought back to two years ago, right after her first suicide attempt during a relapse. Brooks had told her that villains don't just commit one crime; if they kept watching Dahlia, they'd eventually catch her slipping.

Their eyes locked again. Brooks reached for his phone and called the mansion's security.

"Let Wesley go," he instructed.

At the Hotel

Wesley arrived at the hotel earlier than planned, but instead of heading inside, he hung back, waiting. As the meeting time drew near, a taxi pulled up at the hotel's entrance. Dahlia stepped out with Sandy and made her way toward the hotel. Seeing Dahlia had indeed brought Sandy along, Wesley grabbed the gift he'd bought for her and went inside.

He knocked on the door, feeling a bit jittery as he walked in, his eyes cautiously finding Sandy, worried she might push him away. Dahlia noticed and quickly prompted Sandy, "Say hi to Daddy."

Sandy wasn't keen on it, but her mom had insisted that if she followed the plan, Charles would remain her dad. So, she flashed Wesley a sweet smile and said, "Daddy."noveldrama

Hearing that word made Wesley's eyes brim with tears, and he responded with a heartfelt, "Yes!" reaching out for a hug. Sandy instinctively pulled back, avoiding his embrace. She wasn't ready for that.

"Give her some time," Dahlia said, keeping her cool in front of Wesley and trying to ease the tension.

"Yeah, I can wait," Wesley nodded, realizing he'd been a bit too eager. For Sandy to go from pushing him away to actually calling him Daddy was a big leap, and he needed fo appreciate that. There was time to build on this.

"Sandy, here's a gift from Daddy. Do you like it?" Wesley had gone all out on this present, spending quite a bit at the mall. But for his little girl, no expense was too much. Sandy however, had been spoiled with gifts from Charles over the years, so Wesley's present didn't quite

measure up. Still, remembering her

mom's advice, Sandy politely

thanked him, "Thank you, Daddy.

Sandy likes it very much."

"As long as you like it. Whatever you want, Daddy will get it for you," Wesley said,

growing even more excited hearing Sandy's response.