Loved You Once But He's My Forever (Chloe)

Harlan had only recently learned about Zoey's identity and background. He had no knowledge of the entanglements between Bill, Nicholas, and Philippa, so it was only natural that he found the scene before him difficult to comprehend.

It felt like his entire worldview had just collapsed.

Since it wasn't my place to comment on matters between the elders, I simply cleared my throat lightly and said, "The entanglements between my mom and them aren't something that can be explained in just a few words. Just focus on yourself and stay out of other people's affairs."

"Harlan gradually snapped out of his daze. 'I don't fully understand, but I support it. They're divorced, after all-it was a mutual decision. They're free to do whatever they see fit."

The next second, he looked at me with a face full of despair. "Chloe, my Zoey wouldn't do something like this, would she?"

I sighed helplessly. "Relax. One fool is already enough trouble for her. What makes you think she's going to find a second one?"

"Chloe, I think you just insulted me, and I have proof."

Looking at Harlan, I finally understood why Janice had been so infuriated that she jumped into the river. If my husband were as clueless as he was, I'd probably do the same.

"Take your time digesting this. Nicholas is your mother-in-law's first love. He waited for her his whole life. My advice to you? Be smart and don't run your mouth."

This was all I could do to help him.

If Harlan could win over Philippa, he would already be halfway to winning over Zoey.

No matter how much Bill found faults with him, as long as Philippa approved, he would have no choice but to accept him as a son-in-law.

"Harlan, go figure it out yourself."

I turned and went back to the room. Carter still looked sluggish, likely woken up by Harlan while trying to catch up on sleep from the flight.

He lay on the bed, absentmindedly flipping Everett over like a turtle-first onto his back, then onto his stomach, and then back again.

After a few rounds of this, Everett finally had enough. Though he hadn't even learned to crawl yet, sheer frustration made him push himself forward two steps and slap Carter right on the chin.

Only then did Carter snap back to reality, a trace of confusion in his eyes. "What's wrong, Everett?"

I chuckled softly. "What's on your mind?"

Everett looked at me with an aggrieved expression, so I quickly scooped him into my arms and comforted him.

"Daddy didn't mean it."

Carter sat up and gave a weary smile. "Sorry, I was lost in thought."

"What were you thinking about?"

"Nothing. It's not important."

I placed the baby to the side and leaned into his arms. "You're thinking about your mom, aren't you?"

Eleanor and Jeffrey were different. One was a father who had never loved him, while the other was a mother who loved him so much she would die for him.

For all these years, Eleanor had been taking care of him under a different identity. Now that she was suddenly gone, how could he possibly let it go?

He was a man who valued emotions deeply, someone who had always internalized his pain instead of expressing it.

Carter wrapped an arm around my waist and pressed a kiss to my hair. "Chloe, I'm sorry."

"I told you, I don't blame her anymore. Don't be sad. You still have me, Everett, and Everly."

"Chloe."

Carter leaned in toward me with deep affection in his gaze.

Since I had woken up, we hadn't shared any real intimacy.

First, my body had been too weak, and Carter had been afraid he wouldn't be

able to hold back and end up hurting me.

Second, there had been too many е

things happening one after

another family members passing away, constant changes. Neither of

us had the time nor the energy for it.

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Third, all our focus had been on taking care of the children.

Now that we were back in this small town, we could finally relax a little.

I wrapped my arms around Carter's neck and whispered his name softly. "Carl ... "

Just as we were about to kiss, something moved in my arms.

At some point, Everett had crawled between us and was now sitting upright, staring at us with his large, innocent eyes.

I quickly pulled away and covered the little one's eyes. "No peeking, understand?"

Clearly, he didn't understand. His long lashes fluttered against my palm, ticklish and soft.

"Ah boo boo..."

Off to the side, Everly was chewing on her own big toe, blowing saliva bubbles as

she made an adorably silly sound.

I glanced at Carter with a resigned smile.

Carter picked up Everly and pulled her foot out of her mouth.

She then reached for the buttons on his shirt, trying to stuff them into her mouth

instead. Her tiny hands were still sticky with drool.

"You little glutton."

Carter's voice was full of indulgence. With one arm holding the baby, he skillfully prepared a bottle of formula milk with the other, his movements smooth and practiced.

By evening, Carter and I took the kids for a walk by the Lotus Pond.

The season wasn't right for lotus, but the cherry blossoms were about to bloom.

The branches were covered in tightly

shut buds, and in just a few days they

uld burst into bloom. This

ancient cherry tree had likely stood here for countless years.

Once it blossomed, the petals would drift for miles around. The sight would be

breathtaking.

The wooden cabin was still there, but the version of me from that parallel universe had vanished.

She must have waited for me here for a long, long time.

The wind chime hanging under the eaves jingled softly in the breeze.

Standing in front of the cabin, I felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity.noveldrama

"Carl, I want to get married here."

"Alright, I'll have Damian arrange it."

We stood by the window, gazing at the distant mountains, watching the brilliant hues of the sunset.

Birds soared high in the sky, and everything seemed so peaceful and beautiful.

The golden light of the setting sun bathed Carter's hair, casting a divine glow around him, as if he had descended from the heavens.

He held both children in his arms-Everly nestled against his shoulder, fast asleep, while Everett clung to his other side, tirelessly climbing up and down.

Why had I fought so hard to survive?

Perhaps it was for this very moment.

The beauty of life had never felt so real.

I was still here, with the man I loved most.

And this-this was happiness.