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

After Jeffrey's passing, the Bolton estate settled into a quietude that seemed almost unnatural. The place, once bustling with life, now stood still, as if mourning its own loss. Carter took charge, pouring himself into the restoration of the house. Every corner was carefully examined, and any lingering remnants of danger were cleared away. The house, though still bearing its old bones, had a renewed air, as if it had shed its past like a snake shedding its skin.

We moved back in, and though the familiar walls remained, the interior had been transformed.

The old and creaky floors were now polished and gleaming. The rooms were modern and bright, with an inviting warmth that had been missing before.

Sheila's room-the one where Wisteria had spent so many nights-was gone. In its place stood a new structure, sleek and minimal, yet filled with an odd sense of finality.

Adam, forever changed by the losses he had endured, was a shadow of the man he used to be. His eyes, once full of life and mischief, now seemed lost. He had retreated to a small cottage in the backyard, choosing solitude over company, finding solace in prayer and meditation. The outside world no longer seemed to interest him, and he had distanced himself from it completely.

Luke, on the other hand, had stepped into a role of responsibility that he had once shied away from.

With Carter focused on the wedding, Luke took charge of the company, managing the day-to-day operations with a newfound maturity.

It was clear that everything the family had been through had shaped him, and though his transformation had come at a high price, there was no denying he had grown.

When Jeffrey first passed, Carter and I had agreed it wasn't the right time for a wedding.

But the weight of waiting had become too much for him. The moment had arrived, and he couldn't delay it any longer.

When I had arrived in Zoey's body, Chloe's death had cast a long shadow over everything. We had no ceremony, just a quiet signing of papers. No celebration. No joy. It felt like a hollow victory, and the decision to forgo the wedding had stretched on for far longer than I had anticipated.

Over a year had passed, and the wait had almost broken me.

The news of Jeffrey's death had remained a family secret, known only to those closest to us.

But Carter, determined to move on and make a life together, began planning the wedding with all the fervor of someone who had waited far too long.

Many of the details had already been sorted out in the previous months, and now, our wedding was just around the corner.

Amber, always true to her word, arrived to help with the children.

I was sitting under the shade of a tree when she showed up. She carefully laid the kids down on a soft blanket. The sunlight streamed through the leaves above, casting dappled patterns on their faces. The warmth was gentle, perfect for a lazy afternoon.

Carter had planted rows of flowers around the yard, making the air thick with their sweet fragrance. It seemed as if the garden itself was celebrating.

Birds fluttered from branch to branch, their songs filling the air, while the squirrels played in the trees. Everett and Everly giggled uncontrollably whenever one of the little animals darted across the yard.

I sat with the children as I went over the wedding details with the planners.noveldrama

Carter was determined to give me the wedding I had never had, one that would wash away the painful memories of my past life. A wedding that would be ours-a celebration of love, for all to see.

With the Bolton family's reach, we knew the guest list would be a large one.

Every detail had to be perfect.

Even the invitations and party favors were carefully chosen for each guest.

For our closest friends and family, I designed the invitations myself, hoping to make the day even more special for those who mattered most.

The Gardners and the Pearsons were families of wealth, where the shine of diamonds or the glint of gold would never win their attention. Luxuries were nothing more than a backdrop to their lives.

I looked down at Everett and Everly's tiny feet, so soft and new. I pressed their soles gently into the warm red clay, and then, one by one, I stamped each invitation with their little footprints.

It was a small gesture, but it felt right-more personal and more meaningful.

Lost in the rhythm of it, I didn't hear Amber approach until her voice broke through. "What are you doing?"

"Making invitations."

She gave me a questioning look. "Who makes invitations like this?"

"They're for family and close friends. Instead of the usual, boring ones, I thought I'd do something different. You're here, so don't just stand there. I still need help with the party favors."

Amber raised an eyebrow, a small smirk on her lips. "You really are a slave driver, aren't you?"

I smiled at her. "We're family. Help me out. You can stamp the footprints." "Why not just print them?"

"No way. These people mean something to me. I'm not cutting corners. They'll love getting something with the kids' footprints."

She shook her head, still skeptical. "Why not just do handprints from everyone?"

"Who sends blood handprints? People will think I'm running an illegal business. Now stop talking and start stamping."

I wasn't above taking full advantage of her help.

After all, she had once wanted to kill me.

Once the invitations were done, Amber slipped into a familiar routine She fed the kids, changed their diapers with a speed that

suggested practice.

"Amber, I didn't know you were so patient."

I'd always seen her as someone hard-edged and distant. But watching her now,

calm and competent, made me realize how much I'd misjudged her.

"I am still a mother of two, despite everything."

As the day slipped toward evening, Carter walked in, his presence a quiet calm amidst the chaos.

"Carl!"

I didn't hesitate. I ran straight to him, throwing my arms around him and pressing

my head against his chest, just wanting to be close.

Carter ruffled my hair gently, his voice soft. "The elders are still here."

I wrapped my arms tighter around him, unwilling to let go. "I don't care. I missed

you. It's been one day. Did you miss me?"

"I did."

So much had happened between us-so much time apart, so many near-misses. But right now, in this moment, all I wanted was to hold on to what we had. I didn't know what the future would bring, but in this space, everything felt right,

When I love, I love completely. I hold nothing back. I tell them how much they

mean to me, how often they fill my thoughts.

I can't stand the idea of leaving anything unsaid because, when the day comes

that I can no longer voice my feelings, regret will take its place.

I've seen too many regrets.

Jeffrey never got to grow old with his first wife.

Whitney and Taylor both fell off a cliff, and she never got the chance to confess

how she truly felt before it happened.

Zoey let her fate tie her down, never allowing her heart to be free for Harlan. Sheila died, but in doing so, she ensured that Adam would never forget her.

Silas gave everything to protect Wisteria.

Luke was never able to bring Chloe back.

Sergio disappeared from this world, and no one knows where he went.

Brynn waited her whole life for Jeffrey to look at her with the same affection she'd always shown him.

You see, it's rare for two people to love each other at the same time and still be able to stay together.

That's why we have to cherish the now, because we can't afford to leave behind even the smallest regret.

As the sun dipped low in the sky, Carter and I shared a quiet moment. His eyes locked onto mine, his lips just a breath away.

"Ahem!" Amber's voice rang out, sharp and clear, pulling us back to reality.

I glanced at her, a teasing smile creeping onto my face. "What's the hurry? You and Dominic were way more daring when you kissed."

The memory of them, tangled in the curtains at the Carlyn's yard, flashed across

my mind two silhouettes, pressed close, hidden in the shadows.

Amber said nothing.

Carter chuckled softly, easing away from me as he turned toward Amber. "Amber,

thanks. Let me take care of the kids."

"No problem. I'll get dinner started."

"There are servants for that."

"They don't cook like I do. Dinner will be ready soon. You rest."

It wasn't just my imagination-Amber's voice softened, and her words gentler

when she spoke to Carter.

Her gaze was filled with nothing but affection, a warmth that radiated from her.

In the glow of the setting sun, her smile became even softer, a small dimple forming on her cheek.

I stood there, completely still, unable to move.