"Charles, that unexpected night with Evelyn five years ago tore us apart. And just like that, half a decade slipped away in the blink of an eye. I've been waiting for you all this time, and finally, today is the day. If you decide to go public with Evelyn now, what about Sandy and me? You promised me I was the only one you'd call your wife..."

Charles was her rock. She had his love, his gratitude, and his sense of obligation. Other women might have one of these and could stand tall, but she held all three. And Evelyn? What did she have? The one connection she had with Charles, their daughter, was already laid to rest. What did she have to fight with? Dahlia nestled into Charles' embrace, her eyes defiantly meeting Evelyn's. She was sure Charles would stand against Patrick for her and not grant Évelyn's wish. But she never imagined that Charles would pull away instead of siding with her and stride over to Evelyn, grabbing her wrist just a few steps away. "Charles..."

Dahlia's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Charles' actions clearly showed he intended to appear with Evelyn and go public with their relationship.

Dahlia quickly pinched Sandy, who clung to Charles' leg, crying. "Daddy, are you leaving me and Mommy behind?"noveldrama

"I don't want that. I want us all to be together as a family! Daddy... please, Daddy!"

Each time Sandy called him "Daddy," Evelyn felt a stab in her heart. Each plea was a reminder that Charlie meant less to Charles than this child who wasn't his own by blood. It was Evelyn's own failing, falling for a man who didn't have space for her in his heart. She brought Charlie into this world but couldn't protect her. Charlie faced injustice in life and death, and Evelyn couldn't even seek justice for her.

"Dahlia, take Sandy to my room to rest for a bit." Charles, holding Evelyn's hand, spoke firmly to Dahlia. Evelyn, who was about to pull away, stopped, no longer resisting.

"Daddy..."

Sandy was about to cry again, but Charles' stern voice stopped her in her tracks, "Sandy, don't be stubborn."

It was the first time Charles had spoken to Sandy so seriously, and it frightened her into silence. Dahlia's heart sank. She realized Charles had made up his mind, and there was no turning back. Making a scene would only irritate him further.

"Sandy, come to Mommy. We'll wait for Daddy together." This was her way of showing Charles her unwavering support, hoping to amplify his guilt.

Charles glanced at Dahlia and Sandy

briefly, then led Evelyn outside

without wasting any more time. Charles watched Evelyn go along with it and felt a surprising sense of relief. Going public was still what she wanted. It meant her odd behavior was just jealousy. She still loved him. He thought he'd be put off. After all, Dahlia was the one he wanted to marry and introduce to the world. Yet, as he held Evelyn's hand and walked towards the waiting media, he felt no hesitation at all.