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

Chapter 26 You're Back

Chapter 26 You're Back

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After the cake was cut, everyone sat down to eat, but Grandma excused herself, saying she wasn't feeling well, and returned to her room.

I returned to the Bible scripture, waiting quietly.

From the doorway, I could hear Grandma's voice. "Mrs. Lambert, get someone to check out what's going on in Cloudville. Something doesn't feel right."

"Old Madam, are you that sure the person in that video isn't Ms. Chloe?"

Grandma shot Mrs. Lambert a look. "I watched Chloe grow up. Don't you think I know her character? Even if she'd fallen for someone else, she'd have divorced Luke first. She wouldn't do something like this while still married."

"You're right. Ms. Chloe has turned down countless suitors over the years. She's always been sensible, so it's unlikely she'd lose her mind and use her body to get back at Mr. Bolton out of spite."

Grandma gritted her teeth. "If I can figure this out, how is it that Luke, who grew up with her, believes other people's lies? When Chloe comes back, I'll make sure she divorces him. Marriage is built on trust, and if even her husband can't believe in her, what's the point of staying together?"

I couldn't help but feel a sting in my eyes after listening to her words. Grandma saw things clearly, yet the person who grew up by my side just couldn't understand.

"Anyway, quietly have someone look into what's going on in Cloudville. Find out what Chloe is doing over there."

"All right, Old Madam, you should wash up and get some rest. Maybe Ms. Chloe will be back tomorrow."

"Fine."

Grandma let out a long sigh and went to the bathroom to freshen up.

At ten o'clock, after taking her medicine, Grandma sat staring at the slice of cake on the table. She had glanced at it several times that night.

"Old Madam, you should sleep."

"It's not midnight yet. I'm waiting for Chloe."

When she mentioned me, a gentle light appeared in her eyes. "She's always loved sweets since she was little, and I've always spoiled her. I even found a chef to teach me how to make her favorite treats. She's such a sweet child. Even when I got older and couldn't get around easily, she would often come over to cook for me." "She'd say, since I watched her grow up, she'd take care of me as I grew old."

As she spoke, tears streamed down Grandma's face. "Mrs. Lambert, Chloe has always been so devoted. She'd never just disappear. I'm just afraid something's happened to her."

"Old Madam, Ms. Chloe's not a child anymore. She's a grown woman. What could happen to her? And with how fast news spreads these days, if something did happen, we'd have heard by now."

Mrs. Lambert patted Grandma's shoulder like she was comforting a child. "Don't worry, Ms. Chloe's probably just upset with Mr. Bolton. Women have their moods, and she's likely avoiding him by turning off her phone so he can't reach her through us. She's just mad at him right now. Remember, she even prayed for you not long ago. Ms. Chloe cares deeply about you."

Grandma wiped her tears. "Yes, Chloe would never let anything bad happen. But Luke is such a fool. We need to teach him a lesson."

"That's the spirit! And if you cry until your eyes are all swollen, it'll only make Ms. Chloe feel worse."

Grandma gave the cake one last look. "If she comes back, make sure she eats it. I saved it, especially for her."

"Of course. You rest now. I'll keep an eye on the door, and if Ms. Chloe returns, I'll tell you right away."

Chapter 26 You're Back

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After listening to their conversation, I reached out toward the cake, desperately wanting a taste-just one bite, even if it were my last. After all, it was Grandma's wish.

My fingers passed through the cake over and over, and I screamed in anguish, but no one could hear me.

Oh, Lord! Why was it me who had to die?

I'm not ready to let go!

Why do good people die so soon, while the wicked get to keep on living?

Grandma tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. She clutched her Bible close as if it could offer her some comfort.

It reminded me of how she used to hold me when I was little. Her embrace was so warm.

So warm that it made me wish I could become human again, just to fulfill the wishes I hadn't yet completed.

When midnight came, Grandma finally fell asleep, still unwilling to give up hope after waiting so long for me.

I left her side and returned to Luke's hands once more.

He wasn't asleep. Instead, he was at a nightclub, surrounded by beautiful women.

His slender fingers kept fidgeting with the bracelet on his wrist, a small attempt to calm the turmoil inside him.

One of his closest friends, Moses Lynch, handed him a glass of whiskey. "Luke, this has to be some kind of misunderstanding. We all know what kind of person your wife is. Remember back in college that senior who practically went crazy trying to win her over? But in the end, she chose you."

"That was just a video of someone's side profile. It could easily be someone who just looks like her."

Luke didn't respond.

He just kept downing drink after drink.

A woman next to him tried to cozy up to him. "Mr. Bolton, even if Mrs. Bolton has left, you still have us. How about I keep you company?"

Luke smashed his glass on the floor. "Get out!"

With that one command, all the hostesses in the room scattered.

Moses tried to say something, but Luke cut him off sharply. "You can get out too!"

Soon, Luke was alone in the large, empty room.

By the time I got there, he had already had quite a bit to drink.

His stomach must've been hurting again. He was clutching his abdomen, shouting my name in anguish. "Chloe, why did you betray me? Why?" When I didn't answer, he grabbed his phone and started sending voice messages. "Chloe, if you dare betray me, I swear I won't let you off!"Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

"Chloe, just wait! I'm coming to Cloudville tomorrow! You won't get away from me!"

Roy opened the door to find Luke slumped on the couch, his face dark and menacing, his eyes bloodshot, and a mix of despair and fury that was almost terrifying.

"Mr. Bolton, you're drunk. Let me take you home."

"Home? Chloe's not there. What's the point of going home?"

"Madam is in Cloudville. You asked me to book you a flight to Cloudville for tomorrow. Did you forget? You'll see Madam tomorrow, so you should go home and rest tonight."

12:08 PM

Chapter 26 You're Back

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Luke struggled to his feet, barely able to stand straight.

"Right... Chloe doesn't like it when I stay out. I need to go home. I need to go home now."

He stumbled drunkenly back home, and the one who opened the door was Anna. Roy was stunned. "Ms. Anna, what are you doing here?"

"I was worried Luke would be upset, so I came to check on him. How could you let him drink so much?"

They helped Luke into the living room, where he collapsed onto the couch, too drunk to stay conscious.

"I'll take care of things here. It's late; you should head back."

Roy felt uneasy. After all, they were both adults, and now it was just the two of them-a man and a woman-alone together.

"Mr. Bolton is drunk. It's not appropriate for you to stay here alone ..."

"I said leave. Didn't you understand?" Anna's expression suddenly changed, scaring Roy into quickly standing up to leave.

As he left, he glanced at Anna, who was carefully wiping Luke's face. The look in her eyes was unmistakable. It was full of love. Nothing like a sister's affection for her brother. Just before the door closed, he saw Anna kiss Luke.

He didn't dare look any further and hurried out.

Luke, in his drunken haze, mistook Anna for me. He was overjoyed, saying, "Chloe, you're back."

He pulled her in, and the two of them got lost in each other.

I stood coldly on the side, watching through the floor-to-ceiling window.

From the large tree across the street, a camera lens captured the two of them entwined together, catching every detail with perfect clarity.