Once Upon a Broken Heart, #1
Once Upon a Broken Heart
by Stephanie Garber
Contents
Chapter 4
Overview
Evangeline endures the aftermath of her sacrifice, conscious but trapped in stone-like stillness after saving Luc, Marisol, and the others. Her isolation turns into a struggle against regret, as she tries to hold on to the belief that her choice was right.
Although she briefly hopes Jacks might rescue her, she understands that the Prince of Hearts is dangerous rather than heroic. The chapter deepens Evangeline’s emotional cost and reinforces the uncertainty of trusting Jacks.
Summary
Evangeline remains trapped after drinking the cursed poison to save the wedding party. Although her body is immobilized, her mind continues to work, leaving her alone with days of silence and nothingness.
In that isolation, Evangeline longs for any sign of physical feeling or human contact, but instead experiences only heartbreak and regret. Regret tempts her to believe Jacks was right when he told her she should have left the others as stone and cast herself as the victim.
Evangeline resists that despair by insisting to herself that she made the right choice. She believes someone will eventually save her, and at her most hopeful moments she imagines Jacks might be that rescuer.
Even so, Evangeline recognizes the truth of Jacks’s nature: the Prince of Hearts is not a savior, but someone people need saving from. Her hope remains fragile and conflicted as she waits in helpless solitude.
Who Appears
- EvangelineConscious but immobilized after her sacrifice, she struggles with loneliness, regret, and hope.
- JacksThe Prince of Hearts; Evangeline imagines his rescue but knows he is dangerous.