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

Chapter 22 A Dire End With No Descendants

Chapter 22 A Dire End With No Descendants s

While everyone was caught up in the issue of me not returning to the family, Anna, who had been quietly standing by, suddenly broke down in tears.

"Grandma, ever since I returned, you've treated me coldly, thinking I'm overshadowing my sister. You view everything I do as manipulative. I've wronged my sister and the family. I should never have come back. I'm not a good granddaughter..." With that, she suddenly darted towards the wall..

"Anna!"

Ethan, who had just walked in, quickly intercepted her, and Anna collided with his stomach.

The family immediately circled around her, expressions filled with concern. "Anna, are you alright? Why would you attempt such a reckless thing?"

"Dad, I never wanted to upset Grandma or cause discord between Chloe and Ethan upon her return. If I had known my return would disrupt the family like this, I would have preferred to never come back."

Anna's inherently gentle demeanor made her tears seem even more pitiful, drawing sympathy from everyone.

Those initially upset about my absence swiftly directed their frustration at Grandma, with even my typically quiet father speaking out.

"Mom, Anna and Chloe are both your granddaughters. How can you show such favoritism? Chloe's actions are the real cause of worry in the family. You overlook Chloe's faults yet you scold us. That's too much!" Grandma, already upset, grew angrier at being rebuked by her son at her age. She pointed a trembling finger at my father, "Are you blind? She ..."

Anna interjected, pulling my father back, "Dad, please don't argue with Grandma over me. If it causes more discord, I'd be truly ingrateful. Grandma, if you need to blame someone, blame me, not Dad." Grandma was so irate that she was at a loss for words, but she finally saw my perspective.

Anna had done nothing overt, yet her few words had deftly shifted the family's resentment toward me.

Her tactics were subtle yet deeply effective, wearing me down over the past few years.

"Enough!"

"Grandma, today's your birthday, don't let anger spoil it-it's not worth harming your health."

"Mom, why are you quarreling with a young girl at your age?"

"Mrs. Lambert, please make sure my mom is taken care of and bring her to the banquet later."

A group of people left with Anna, leaving Grandma so angry that she was ready to pick up her cane and throw it at them, "Get out, all of you get out!"

"Old Madam, don't get too emotional."

Mrs. Lambert, who had been with Grandma for decades, was very distressed.

She helped her onto the bed and brought her a cup of tea to calm her down.

I hesitated as I watched Grandma, her silver hair and deeply lined face softening into sadness as she clutched Mrs. Lambert's hand. "Go see if Chloe has returned yet?" she asked with a tremor in her voice.

"Of course, I'll check right now. You should rest," Mrs. Lambert replied. "Chloe would be devastated seeing you upset."

"I'll try to stay calm," Grandma assured her, dabbing at her eyes. "She's dealing with so much already; I can't add to her burden."

Chapter 22 A Dire End With No Descendants

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Witnessing Grandma struggling to suppress her tears stirred a deep longing within me to comfort her, yet due to the restrictions of the beaded bracelet Luke wore, I found myself drifting further from the isolated figure on the bed, her sorrow palpable in the solitude. The disillusionment with my family and lover had led me to believe I was indifferent to all.

Yet, in that moment, it was clear that Grandma remained the anchor I could not sever.

Beside Luke, I whispered, laden with remorse, "Grandma, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

The thought of her grappling with the news of my demise was unbearable. Could she endure such a heartache?

The room soon cleared, leaving just Anna and Luke.

Luke's attention was solely fixed on Anna, seeming to erase any memory of my presence.

Anna, don't let Grandma's words bother you. She's getting on in years.

"I understand, but since Grandma has such strong feelings against me, I doubt she would accept any gifts from me."

She handed him the human-skin Bible, "Luke, could you give this to Grandma? She's devout and always reading the Bible. This Bible is blessed by a priest; it should bring her peace and longevity."

"You're really thoughtful, Anna. Grandma will see your true heart one day. Hand it over," Luke reassured her as he accepted the book.

Luke accepted the book, feeling hesitant about its eerie nature. Yet, when he grasped it, his fingers inadvertently caressed the cover.

The surface was unexpectedly smooth, resembling a woman's skin, which left him oddly unsettled.

Realizing his morbid thought, Luke quickly dismissed it as absurd.

"And remember, Luke, Grandma really doesn't like me. Please don't tell her I gave this or what it's really made of. She might not take it well."

"I got it," Luke replied, patting her head soothingly.

"Don't worry about it anymore. You know we all care about you."

"You're the best."

The two flaunted their affection, making it uncomfortable to witness.

After parting from Anna, Luke carried the book and his own gift to Grandma's room. She had just finished her tea and seemed more at ease.

As he entered, she mistook the footsteps, hopeful, "Is that you, Chloe? Let me take a look at you..."

Her expression chilled immediately upon seeing Luke. "What are you doing here again?" she demanded coldly.

Luke understood Grandma's anger and adjusted his approach, sitting down on a stool next to her bed. "Grandma, I made a mistake by running away from the wedding. I've loved Chloe for years; she's the only woman for me. Anna is just my sister. I promise you that I'll take good care of Chloe from now on and never hurt her again."

Grandma narrowed her eyes, her expression stern, "Remember, God is watching from above. If you're going to make promises, swear by Him. Betray Chloe, and you'll be cursed with a miserable end and no descendants to mourn you!" Luke felt deflated. Though he intended to sever ties with Anna, their recent past lingered ...

"What? Can't swear? Then stop trying to fool me with your lies!"

Chapter 22 A Dire End With No Descendants

Provoked by Grandma's challenge, Luke responded, "I mean every word, Grandma. I'm not afraid."

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With that, he moved towards the shrine. The room, dedicated to spiritual reverence, was filled with a soft sandalwood aroma.

The statue of Jesus cast serene his gaze upon the world.

Luke knelt on the cushion, his gaze lifted to the compassionate eyes of Jesus, his heart beating faster.

Standing by with her cane, Grandma pressed, "Well, go on. Swear if you dare."Têxt belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

Raising his hand solemnly, Luke swore, "I, Luke Bolton, will love Chloe Sander and only Chloe Sander for all my life. I vow never to betray her. I will guard her, cherish her, and love her without reservation. Should I break this oath, may I meet a dire end and leave no descendants." Just as he finished, a sudden flash of lightning split the sky outside.

Crash!