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

No matter how much I resisted, Jeffrey had already made his decision, and there was nothing I could do to sway him.

All I could do was stand by as he meticulously sorted out his estate, allocating stocks, properties, valuables, and everything he owned, ensuring that everyone at the Boltons was treated fairly.

He even set aside a special inheritance for the twins, making sure they would be taken care of even in his absence.

Luke stayed quiet, knowing he was the son of one of the vanished twins.

He wanted to follow Jeffrey, but Jeffrey, prioritizing his father's safety, firmly refused to let him come along. On the day of departure, I clutched Carter's sleeve. "Carl, can't you stop Dad?"

He pulled me into his arms, one hand resting on my waist while the other brushed against my cheek. "Chloe, I'll do everything I can to keep him safe, but if he's set on throwing his life away, there's nothing I can do. You know as well as I do-you can't stop a man who's already decided to die."

My eyes brimmed with sorrow. Deep down, I knew he was right, yet the thought of losing someone dear to me was unbearable.

"Be good. This is the path Dad has chosen. Life is precious to you and me, but for him, it has become a burden. After witnessing life's highs and lows, and enduring countless storms, he has already come to terms with it.

"Stay home and look after the children-leave the rest to me, alright?"

Though I wished to see him off, my frail body and the painful lesson from last time kept me from stepping into danger again.

I stood on my toes and pressed a soft kiss to Carter's cheek. "Be careful and come back soon."

"I will."

He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead before leaving with Jeffrey, while my heart remained in turmoil.

In just over a year, I had endured too many goodbyes, too many painful partings-and I still couldn't fully accept Whitney's death.

Though it had been her decision, the memory of her hand slowly slipping from mine still haunted me. It felt as if someone had violently torn apart the bond we shared by blood, leaving behind an ache so deep it was almost unbearable.

I often find myself dreaming of that night-the moment Whitney leaped from the cliff, replaying over and over in my mind.

If she were still here and knew I had safely given birth to my two babies, she would have been happy, wouldn't she?

But that's how life is. Some people step into your world like a beautiful surprise, only to vanish just as suddenly, whether in a blaze of drama or in quiet silence.

In the end, you're the one left behind, clinging onto the memories-whether they bring joy or sorrow. The little ones are now over four months old. Everett has already mastered rolling over, while Everly, despite her best efforts, still looks like a tiny turtle stuck on its back, limbs flailing helplessly.

Watching her struggle like that eased my sadness a little. I gave her a gentle push, and at last, she managed to roll over.

Everett poked her cheek with his chubby fingers before flashing a goofy grin at Philippa.

They truly are like little angels.

I haven't stepped foot outside Bolton Residence in over a month, yet spending every day with them fills me with a deep sense of contentment.

The weather was perfect today, and the cherry blossoms in the yard were in full bloom.

I took the twins outside to admire the flowers. Carter had personally built a handmade swing for them, carefully placing thick cushions on top for comfort.

Lying on the swing, the two little ones basked in the dappled sunlight as it streamed through the branches.

A gentle breeze swept through, sending delicate cherry blossoms drifting to the ground like soft pink snow, painting a scene straight out of a dream.

On a day this beautiful, I can't help but wish they were all here to see it.

I pray the twins will be rescued safely and that Jeffrey will return unharmed.

"Chloe, are you worried about Grandpa too?" Luke's voice pulled me from my thoughts. He stepped closer, his eyes soft as he gazed at the children.

He looked noticeably thinner than before, almost like a completely different person.

The defiance and arrogance that once filled his eyes had faded, replaced by quiet solemnity.

He carried himself with a quiet grace, exuding the poise of a true gentleman.

I nodded. "Have you fully recovered?"

Fortunately, his illness had been caught early, and he had responded well to treatment.

With the Boltons facing such a grave crisis, though Adam was his uncle, he had cared for him deeply for so many years.

After Sheila's passing, Adam was left in ruins, while Carter had been constantly on the move for my sake. Jeffrey was aging, and the weight of the Boltons now rested squarely on his shoulders.

Looking at him now, it was hard to believe how much he had changed since our first meeting in Jaford. He no longer clung to calling me Chloe as if he had finally come to terms with reality and respected my decision. The regrets of the past no longer consumed him-he had learned to let go and move forward. Luke gave a small nod. "Yeah, I still need medication to manage my kidney condition, but don't worry- I've got myself back on track."

"That's good."

I never imagined there would come a day when I could speak with Luke so naturally as if we were simply friends.

There was no lingering love or resentment-just a quiet familiarity, like family.

He sat on the swing, cradling Everly in his arms. The twins, however, had very different reactions to him. Everly remained content in his embrace, while Everett, on the other hand, made no effort to hide his dislike, his little face twisting in obvious disdain whenever Luke picked him up.

But Everly was different. The little girl beamed with joy, her tiny hands reaching out to grab his tie clip. Luke gazed at her bright, carefree smile, momentarily lost in thought. This child... she looked just like him.

"She has your smile," I murmured. "I remember when you were little, you used to smile all the time. But somewhere along the way, you stopped."

Back then, I was surrounded by love-cherished by my family, even adored by Jeffrey from the Boltons. Adam, too, would always smile whenever he saw me.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that my childhood had been filled with warmth and affection.

As the cherry blossom tree swayed

in the breeze, felt as if I could see

my three brothers running through

the yard of the Sander res

Their laughter echoed as their parents watched from

afar scolding them playfully yet full

of warmth.

Flawed as we all were, we had once truly loved each other. They had given me all their affection, wrapping me in the kind of love that made my childhood feel light and carefree.

"But as I grew older, the weight of expectations became suffocating. I tried my hardest to live up to the role of Mrs. Belton, and when Wisteria appeared, I wanted to return the love I had once been given. So, I chose to endure."

ASnoveldrama

"I'm sorry..."

"It's all in the past."

Time never moves backward, and the Sander residence now exists only in memories.

These two little ones had come into the world amidst turmoil, blissfully unaware of the shadows and

set

dangers that once loomed over us. Everly clung tightly to the tie clip, her tiny fingers refusing to let go. Amused, Luke unfastened it and placed it in her hands, earning a delighted giggle from her.

I recognized that tie clip-it was the one I had given him.

Meanwhile, Everett remained distant, his small eyes glaring at Luke with open displeasure.

Luke cradled him gently and sat on the swing, rocking it in a slow, steady rhythm.

His attitude toward Luke was puzzling-he acted as if he didn't like him, yet he made no effort to pull away from his touch.

It reminded me of the child who had never been born in my past life.

Could Joy have returned to my world in another form?

That night, Carter didn't come home.

I didn't dare to call and disturb him, only staring at the raging storm outside, uncertain of what news the night would bring.

By the time the clock struck three in the morning, exhaustion weighed heavily on me. My eyelids growing heavy-until I suddenly heard soft laughter.

Lifting my head, I found Everett and Everly wide awake, their bright eyes focused on something unseen. Normally, they would only wake up if they were hungry or needed a change, but tonight was different. There were no cries, no fussing-just quiet giggles as if they were watching someone they knew playing with them.

I knew this feeling all too well.

Could it be...