Chapter 678
Under the cascade of fireworks, Charles glanced sideways, his eyes drawn irresistibly to Evelyn. She stood right beside him, watching their daughter with the same quiet wonder, a gentle smile resting at the corner of her lips.
A cool night breeze played with Evelyn’s hair, softening her features in the shifting bursts of light. In that instant, with his beloved and their child so close, Charles felt a rush of happiness so real it hurt. For a fleeting moment, he let himself believe- maybe, just maybe, the three of them could start fresh.
His heart thudded, hope swelling.
He squeezed little Charlie’s hand, steadying her as she craned her neck skyward. With his other hand, Charles reached-slowly, nervously-for Evelyn’s. Sweat beaded on his palm as he hovered, barely daring to bridge the gap.
But before his fingers could graze hers, Evelyn flinched away as if burned. She didn’t look at him, not even a glance, just quietly moved a step further, widening the space between them. Her retreat was swift and unyielding, drawing a clear line that left no room for misunderstanding.
Charles’s hand froze in midair, his heart sinking like a stone.
Above them, fireworks kept blooming, but the warmth that had wrapped him just seconds ago vanished, leaving only cold reality behind.
He pulled his hand back in silence, a bitter ache twisting inside.
The fireworks fizzled out, the celebration winding down.
Charlie, worn out from all the excitement, finally surrendered to sleep. Her head nodded until, at last, she dozed off in Charles’s arms, her breathing slow and deep.
With Charlie asleep, Charles carried her towards the parked car, Evelyn quietly matching his steps. They didn’t speak. The city felt hushed around them.
The driver was already waiting, door open, posture respectful.
Charles knelt to gently secure Charlie in her car seat, buckling her in with care and adjusting her head so she’d steen more comfortably. Only when he was sure she was safe did he straighten and turn to Evelyn. s
“Eve, I—can we…” Charles started, his voice rough with hope and regret.
But Evelyn cut him off before he could finish, her tone steady and sure. “No.”
“Charles, let me make this clear. I’m not stopping Charlie from seeing you or getting close to you. But that doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven you. It doesn’t mean you get another chance with me.” s
Her words hit like a punch. Charles couldn’t breathe.
Evelyn’s eyes softened as she looked inside the car at their sleeping daughter, but her voice stayed firm. “I’m doing this for Charlie-not for you, not for us respect her right to know her dad, and don’t want her stuck in the middle or feeling like she has to choose. I want her to have her father’s love, and I never want her to feel sad just to spare my feelings. All I want is for her to wake up happy every day. That’s it.” s
She met Charles’s gaze, calm and unwavering. “So from now on, you’re Charlie’s dad, and I’m Charlie’s mom. That’s all we are to each other, and that’s all we’ll ever be.”
“What happened before the hurt you caused me and Charlie-I can’t get over that. Not ever.”
“For Charlie’s sake, I’ll keep things civil. But that’s as far as it goes. I hope you understand how I feel.”
Charles gripped the edge of the car, trying to steady himself as a storm of emotion threatened to knock him off his feet.
Evelyn didn’t seem to notice. Her voice sharpened, cool and unmistakably protective. “Charlie is willing to give you a chance. If you ever hurt her again, I won’t forgive you. Not this time.”