The Day Our Promise Breaks

Sandy had sneaked into her dad's office, hoping for a surprise glimpse of him after work.

"Daddy, I'm sorry. Did I worry you?" she sniffled, her little body trembling in Charles's arms.

Charles felt a twinge of guilt as he gently stroked her damp hair. He had let things slide these past weeks. Ever since that day at the hospital, he'd been brushing her off, claiming he was too busy whenever she called.

He hadn't realized how much his avoidance would hurt her. "It's my fault, sweetie.noveldrama

I shouldn't have let work keep me from spending time with you. How about a warm bath to keep the chill away?" Charles suggested, drying her tears with a towel.

Sandy nodded, loosening her grip around him. Charles stepped out of the lounge, leaving Aiden on the phone with Dahlia. "Ms. Dahlia, we've found Miss Sandy. She's safe in Mr. Jenkins's office."

"No need to come over. Mr. Jenkins has got it covered," Aiden assured her, cutting the call short before she could insist. He then called the receptionist, instructing them to hold Dahlia off if she tried to come up.

Though Charles didn't say anything, his approving glance at Aiden said it all. Aiden continued, "Mr. Jenkins, I've arranged for a fresh set of clothes from the children's store and called Dr. Nelson to check on her."

"Good," Charles nodded, and Aiden left.

By the time Andrew arrived, Sandy was all cleaned up and in fresh clothes. She sat snuggly next to Charles on the sofa, clutching his arm like her lifeline.

Andrew gave her a quick check-up. "Good thing she didn't catch a cold. She needs to be careful; she's still recovering."

After a few words of caution, Andrew left. Sandy knew she'd messed up. The moment Andrew left, she looked up, eyes red-rimmed, and said, "Daddy, I'm really sorry. I won't make you worry again."

"It's okay, honey. Just don't pull any more stunts like this." Charles's words were soft despite the reprimand.

Sandy nodded firmly and nestled into his embrace. Charles still had work to do and thought about having Aiden take her home, but Sandy was having none of it.

"Daddy, I haven't seen you in two weeks. Can I stay a bit longer?"

"I promise I'll just read and not disturb you. Please?" Her eyes, still puffy from crying, made it impossible for Charles to say no.

"If you get bored, let Uncle Aiden take you home," Charles reminded gently.

"I promise, Daddy!" Sandy nodded enthusiastically.

Charles asked Aiden to bring in Sandy's favorite snacks and drinks, then returned to his work. True to her word, Sandy sat quietly, occasionally glancing at Charles with adoring eyes.

It was evening by the time Charles finished his work and stood up.

"Daddy, are you done?" Sandy asked, reaching for his hand with eager anticipation.

"Yes, what do you want for dinner? Your choice!" he offered.

"Anything you pick, Daddy. I like everything you choose," Sandy beamed, trying her best to be the perfectly behaved daughter. She knew what Charles liked and always tried to please him.

As they headed downstairs, Aiden had the car ready at the entrance. Once inside; Sandy sat next to Charles. As the car rolled away, she knelt on the seat, giving Charles a shoulder massage with her tiny hands. "Daddy, thanks for working so hard. Let me help you relax."

Despite her lack of strength, she put her heart into it, her little face flushed with effort. Charles chuckled, holding her hands. "That's enough, I'm fine. Sit properly now."

Aiden caught the scene in the rearview mirror, smiling to himself at how skillfully Sandy could wrap her father around her little finger.

After dinner, Charles drove Sandy home.

"Daddy..." Sandy leaned against him, peering up with hopeful eyes.

"Hmm?" Charles looked down at her.

"Daddy, can we go to the amusement park for my birthday this year?"

Her cautious voice gave away how much it meant to her. She shared her birthday with Charlie. In the past, her father celebrated with her, but the year Charlie passed away, Ms. Evelyn had persuaded her father to spend it with Charlie instead, leaving Sandy's mother less than pleased.