The Day Our Promise Breaks

Mrs. Carter, Brooks' mom, was the kind of woman who could make anyone feel a bit like they were back in school, facing down the principal. Evelyn hadn't yet locked down anything official with Brooks, so even after she'd come back to town, she hadn't set foot in the Carter household.

When word got around that Mrs. Carter wanted a sit-down, Evelyn thought about how genuinely kind Brooks had always been to her. She couldn't say no, even if she wanted to. Before she hopped into the car, she shot Brooks a quick text to give him a heads-up.

In about 20 minutes, they pulled up outside a chic little café. With the butler leading the way, Evelyn walked in, the warm scent of coffee wrapping around her like a comforting hug. They headed to the back, and the butler gave a gentle knock on a door. A sweet, melodic voice from inside said, "Come in."

The door swung open, and the butler nodded respectfully, "Ma'am," as he stepped aside for Evelyn.

Sitting by the window was a woman who had clearly aged like fine wine. She gave Evelyn a quick once-over and gestured, "Ms. Evelyn, please take a seat."

Brooks had definitely inherited those eyes from her. But the use of "Ms. Evelyn" felt like a chilly breeze on a warm day—formal and a tad distant.

Evelyn got the hint about Mrs. Carter's vibe. She walked over, sat down, and said politely, "Mrs. Carter."

Mrs. Carter seemed to approve of Evelyn's manners, nodding slightly, though her tone stayed gentle, "Ms. Evelyn, you're a smart woman, so let's not beat around the bush."noveldrama

"Brooks has a soft spot for you and is dead set on being with you. At first, I wasn't on board. I didn't think you were right for him."

Mrs. Carter didn't sugarcoat it.

To her, Evelyn didn't measure up to her son. Brooks was top-notch in every way, and with so many eligible women in the city, he picked someone who had been with Charles for five years. It wasn't that she had anything against Evelyn; she just thought Evelyn didn't match her son's exceptional qualities.

But Brooks wouldn't budge.

Two years back, when she tried setting him up with other women, he put his foot down, saying he wouldn't marry anyone but Evelyn. His determination was rock- solid.

Mrs. Carter had no choice but to give in.

When Evelyn vanished, she felt a mix of sadness and relief, thinking time would mend everything. Brooks would eventually move on, find a new love, and start a family.

But then, two years down the line, Evelyn turned up again.

Mrs. Carter had accepted it by then. So, when Brooks announced his engagement, she didn't stand in the way, essentially giving a nod to Evelyn. She wanted Brooks to be happy.

The Carter family didn't need a marriage for business alliances; if Brooks truly loved someone, even if they weren't a perfect match, that was fine-as long as the love was real.

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"But if Brooks truly cares for you, I could let things slide."

"However, since you got back to town, you've been mixed up with Charles again."

"Mrs. Carter, that's not true," Evelyn shot back instinctively.

Getting tangled up with Charles again was the last thing on her mind.

"A few days ago, weren't you at Charles' place overnight?"

Mrs. Carter was pretty laid-back for a mom, always giving Brooks the space to make his own choices. But when Brooks suddenly had a spat with Charles, she did some digging. Finding out it was all tied to Evelyn made her understandably upset.

The Carter and Jenkins families were competitors, sure, but it was always a healthy rivalry. This time, though, it seemed like Brooks was gunning for Jenkins Enterprises.

"That night, nothing happened between Charles and me," Evelyn explained, feeling a bit at a loss.

Choosing to trust Brooks was her way of showing she was serious. That's why she was here, facing Mrs. Carter.

For Brooks.

Her explanation was meant to clear things up, to prevent any misunderstandings with Mrs. Carter.

"Ms. Evelyn, what went down that night is no longer the point."