The Day Our Promise Breaks

His mind was a whirlwind of his mother's words; his father had headed to the cemetery early that morning to be with Lila. He spent the whole day there. As the evening shadows lengthened, Charles still hadn't shown up. Sandy clenched her fists tightly. She was furious with Lila. Even in death, Lila was stealing her father away, making him spend Sandy's birthday at that cold, lifeless cemetery instead of with her.

"Lila!" she thought bitterly. Her mother had been right. Lila was nothing but trouble! Just like her mother, always stirring things up, trying to take Dad away! Sandy couldn't tell how long she waited, but eventually, she ran back to her room, tears streaming down her face.

At the Cemetery

It was Lila's memorial day. Josephine, Evelyn, Adam, and Brooks had all arrived bright and early. By the time they got there, Charles was already present. Although none of them wanted to see Charles, they chose not to cause a scene in front of Lila on this day.

Charles had brought along a mountain of items. Several cars were needed to transport everything. After Evelyn had burned the offerings she prepared for Lila, they all sat down and spent a long time reminiscing with her. Due to Josephine's health issues, they only stayed at the cemetery for the morning before leaving. Charles stayed behind.

He made trip after trip, personally carrying the things he had prepared for Lila and burning them one by one. He talked to her. The entire afternoon was spent tending to Lila's memory. Once he was done, Charles meticulously cleaned Lila's tombstone until it was spotless. Lila had always been such a tidy little girl.

After cleaning, Charles sat by her grave, clutching a video he had watched countless times. It was the only connection he had left to Lila. Over the past two years, Charles lost track of how many times he had watched it. Each viewing deepened his regret. Upon realizing Eve was actually Debbie, he wished he could travel back seven years to knock some sense into his past self. He truly regretted everything.

Tears filled Charles's eyes as he watched the screen, seeing the beautiful and adorable Lila. She was the embodiment of his and Debbie's love. She should have grown up showered with affection, the happiest little princess. But from the time Lila was in Eve's womb, she never received even a glance from him. After she was born, he completely neglected her. Thinking about how Lila had longed for even a speck of fatherly love made Charles's heart ache as if pierced by a thousand arrows.

"Lila, Daddy was wrong! Can you come back to me?" Charles whispered, gently caressing the cute little face etched on the tombstone. There was no answer. Charles Sat there, alone, in the cold winter night, keeping Lila company. His heart was torn apart once more. Until the video ended, tears streamed down his face. The love Lila had shown him in life now only added to his pain. Those memories were like boomerangs, striking deep into his heart. His soul was left bleeding.

In the distance, the city bell chimed the hour. It was then Charles remembered he had forgotten Sandy's birthday. He had promised to spend it with her. Charles pulled out his phone from his pocket, realizing it was already past midnight. He had set it to silent when he arrived at the cemetery to be with Lila, wanting no interruptions. He hadn't expected to become so lost in his remorse and regret that he lost track of time.

His phone showed several missed calls from Sandy, along with messages timidly asking if he was too busy to spend her birthday with her. He had promised Sandy but ended up letting her down, leaving her waiting all day. Charles felt a pang of guilt. He kissed Lila's little face on the tombstone, said his goodbyes, and drove away from the cemetery.

Instead of heading home, he drove directly to Maplewood. Even though it was past midnight, Charles still wanted to deliver Sandy's birthday gift so she could see it first thing in the morning. Upon arriving at Maplewood, Charles parked outside the gate. He got out, careful not to alert the housekeeper, and didn't knock on the door. From the trunk, he retrieved the gift he had prepared for Sandy and entered the house using facial recognition.

Once inside, he moved quietly, making his way upstairs without anyone noticing. Passing by Dahlia's room, he stopped outside Sandy's. Not wanting to wake her, Charles turned the doorknob gently. The door opened with barely a sound. As he nudged it open, he heard movement inside. Charles paused, surprised Sandy was still awake.noveldrama

Just as he pondered this, he heard a familiar voice. It was Sandy. But what she said hit Charles like a bolt from the blue. He heard Sandy's voice, filled with anger, "Lila, you little brat, even in death you're trying to steal my dad. I curse you to the deepest pits of hell, never to be reincarnated!"

Charles stood at the door, unable to believe his ears.