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

After everything I had been through, teetering on the brink of life and death several times, the headquarters of that sinister organization had been almost entirely dismantled. The last time that desperate couple sought out Sergio, it was clear they were at their wits' end.

Most of the resentment I had harbored had dissipated over time. While the Sander family was indeed deplorable, they had faced substantial consequences and seemed genuinely remorseful.

Josh now had his prosthetic leg, hidden beneath dress pants in the car, making his injury unnoticeable. Greg, carrying several bags, approached cautiously. "Mrs. Bolton, this is a small token from us. Fresh eggs from our chickens and vegetables from Mom's garden. You've just given birth and recently awoken, so you need nourishment for your recovery.

"I know you lack for nothing now, but this is the least we can do."

Seeing their timid demeanor, I felt a lump in my throat, unable to fully articulate my emotions.

Carter took the items from Greg, speaking up, "Since you're here, stay for a meal."

Kate glanced at me briefly before shaking her head. "No, no, we'll head home. We just wanted to see that Mrs. Bolton is well."

The drastic changes over the past year had been a severe blow to the Sander family. They had become humble and fearful, a far cry from their once arrogant selves.

Though I had every reason to sever ties with them, I found myself saying, "Since you're here, stay for dinner."

"Really?" Kate's eyes lit up. "I heard you had twins. I brought these for them."

She reached into the car, but Josh stopped her. "You don't need to show those things."

Curious, I watched as Kate pulled out hand-knitted blankets, balls of yarn, and charming knitted dolls. There were many handcrafted toys, little knives, and miniature car models.

I was instantly reminded of the small toys Josh used to make for me when I was a child. Greg had picked up on that tradition.

Kate explained, "They're just small, homemade things. We know you can buy finer, more intricate items, but Josh insisted homemade is safer. Less chemicals and toxins, you know? He and Greg made all these. "Chloe, I know you might never forgive us, but at least don't reject our goodwill toward you and your children. Our only wish is for you all to be safe and happy. The Sander family can't withstand any more turmoil."

Her words struck a chord. I was the victim, yet they had suffered too.

Even the Carlyns hadn't fared well. There were no winners in this story.

I took the bag from her. "Thank you. I appreciate it."

Kate looked relieved, and Josh's tense expression softened. "Let's go inside and have dinner."

Kate wiped her tears. "Yes, yes."

Back inside, Zoey was playing with Everly, lifting her high. "Susie, did you miss your godmother?" Philippa gently chided, "Zoey, don't play rough. Everly's only three months old; she's still very fragile." Bill, holding Everett, said, "Hold the baby like this. You'll need the practice for when you have your own." Zoey plopped onto the sofa. "I'm not having kids. Chloe bled so much; she almost died. It hurt just watching.

She pointed at Everly's nose. "You little rascal, you nearly cost Mommy her life. You better be good to her when you grow up."

Oblivious, Everly tried to gnaw on Zoey's fingertip.

Hearing this, Kate looked at me. Sensing my softened stance, she grabbed my hand. "Chloe, you've been through so much."

Her once smooth, pampered hands now felt rough against mine. I studied her aged face.

"How ... how have you been?"

She had suffered so much-losing children, then Whitney, and dealing with my disappearances and difficult labor. Each meeting seemed to age her further.

She wiped her tears erratically. "Seeing you alive is all that matters to me."

As they entered, Philippa and Bill eyed the Sanders warily. Their history with the Gardners made Bill's greeting less than warm.

"What are you doing here?"

I recalled their childish bet that

resulted in a streaking dare. Overa year had passed since then, and so much had changed. Both had feftnoveldrama

the business world for simpler lives.

"We came to check on Chloe and the kids."

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Bill, aware of the Sanders' past misdeeds toward me, stood firmly by my side. "Check on what? These are my grandchildren. They're nothing to you."

He even shielded Everly from their view, not wanting them near her.

I chuckled inwardly-Bill was still childish, but in a way that made me feel protected.

Philippa, typically gentle, also frowned. "We can take care of the children. There's no need for your concern."

Zoey boldly stood in front of me, "You won't hurt her again!"

I was no longer alone. Carter had been by my side, and now many stood with us, each in their way defending and protecting me.

Perhaps, this was the purpose of my rebirth.

I wasn't alone anymore.