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

hapter 29 Has Mrs Bolton Returned Home?

Chapter 29 Has Mrs Bolton Returned Home? s

The moment those words left her mouth, everyone in the room froze. It felt like I was some kind of recording device, capturing every flicker of surprise on their faces.

I had been "dead" for days, and yet, the truth, that I had never gone to Cloudville, was something they could've easily confirmed with a phone call. My family, my husband-none of them had even bothered to check.

It was like they'd simply let me "disappear." If word got out, it would be the biggest joke in town.

Luke's face turned as white as a sheet. He must be pondering about everything that had happened recently.

Whether in those vague videos or those so-called Ms. Sander, he had never seen me in person from the start.

The video footage was blurry, and in his anger, he hadn't even thought to show my photo to the neighbors for verification before storming off.

But now, Grandma had spoken, shattering everyone's assumptions. They couldn't believe what they were hearing.

"Mom, are you sure Chloe didn't go to Cloudville?" My father inquired, his face stern.

Grandma disregarded him. "She's your daughter, you should know if she went or not. Or do you just not care if she's alive or dead?" Her words landed like a slap across their faces.

"Mom, our family's been through a lot recently. I just haven't had the chance to look into it, but I'll do it right now," my father muttered. While they spoke, Luke had already dialed Roy. Three minutes later, Roy called him back.

"How is it?" he asked.

"Mr. Bolton, your wife did book a ticket to Cloudville, but she didn't board the flight. There's no record of her passing through security either. I've sent someone to check if she ever made it to the airport, but pulling the surveillance footage will take some time." Luke's expression turned grim as he spoke, "Don't just check that day. Go over every other possible time, place, and mode of transportation. I want everything reviewed thoroughly."

"Understood, Mr. Bolton."Original content from NôvelDrama.Org.

Now, he couldn't declare me as missing. The only certainty was that I had never left for Cloudville.

Luke's gaze sharpened as it landed on Anna. "Anna, why are you lying to us?"

Instantly, Anna put on a wounded expression. "Luke, I'm not lying. I told you everything I knew. If you don't believe me, you can look at my chat history with our relatives."

She was prepared for this moment, already having a strategy for when her lie was exposed. Her chat history showed nothing more than casual conversations with relatives, where one of them had inadvertently mentioned that I was coming to Cloudville to ask her assistance with finding a place to stay.

"It was Aunt Wu who told me. I really don't know why my sister didn't board the flight," Anna explained, feigning innocence.

Grandma, however, wasn't buying it. "You were the one who shared that video. You deliberately deceived everyone and tried to ruin Chloe's reputation. What exactly are you scheming?"

"Grandma, you're wrong! I found that video on a high school friend's social media. He happened to be in Cloudville recently. It's just a coincidence!"

Her gaze turned pleading as she looked up at Luke, tears brimming in her eyes. "Luke, don't you believe me either? I only wanted to help. I wanted to find Chloe as quickly as possible."

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Chapter 29 Has Mrs Bolton Returned Home?

s

Luke's expression remained clouded with suspicion, his silence speaking volumes. It was as though he was weighing her words, trying to sift truth from lies.

Suddenly, Anna dropped to her knees. "Grandma, I know you've never liked me, but why would I lie to you? What would I gain from it?"

Grandma's face remained stern, her hand slamming the armrest of her chair. "That's what I'm wondering too. Why would you meddle in this, mislead everyone, and throw us all off? What are you planning? Speak!" she demanded. "Grandma, I didn't do anything!" Anna protested.

"You won't talk, huh? Well, I'll beat the truth out of you." Grandma moved her wheelchair closer, raising her cane and swinging it toward Anna.

Before the blow could land, my father grabbed the cane mid-swing. "Mom, stop! Anna was only trying to help; don't take out your frustration on her."

Grandma turned to Dad in disbelief. "Have you lost your mind? I assume this girl had something to do with Chloe's disappearance, but you're still defending her until now. Is her life more precious than Chloe's?"

Tears streamed down Anna's face as she shook her head frantically. "Grandma, I wasn't even at Chloe's wedding. I had a relapse that day and couldn't attend. I never saw her, let alone know where she went."

My father chimed in, "That's right, Mom. Anna has always been gentle and kind. If she knew anything about Chloe's whereabouts, she would've told us right away. There's no reason for her to hide this."

He added, "Mom, I understand you're concerned about Chloe, but you can't take it out on Anna. She's not in the best health to begin with."

As the Sanders rallied around Anna to defend her, Luke began walking toward her; his steps slow and deliberate.

She was still kneeling, and he towered over her, his expression devoid of the usual warmth. All that remained was cold indifference.

Had Luke finally seen through her act? Was he realizing who this woman was?

I heard his voice, icy and detached. "Anna, have you been lying to me? Tell me the truth."

Anna lifted her head, meeting his indifferent and merciless gaze. She bit her lip gently before whispering, "Luke, I didn't."

"Anna, we've known each other for years. I don't want you to lie to me, you understand?"

Anna shook her head vigorously. "If you don't believe me, I'll swear on it. If I had anything to do with Chloe's disappearance, may I never ..."

Before she could finish the sentence, Luke swiftly covered her mouth, stopping her from saying something she might regret.

He helped her to her feet, his voice softer now. "Alright, I believe you. No need to swear such a heavy oath."

Anna collapsed into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. Luke gently patted her back, murmuring, "It's okay, don't cry anymore."

I looked up to the ceiling, silently exasperated. I'd thought too highly of Luke and underestimated Anna's wit.

On the other hand, Grandma was absolutely enraged. "Luke! Chloe disappeared because of her! And yet, not only do you refuse to cut ties with her, you're still acting all cozy. Anyone seeing this would think you two are a couple! You might not care about your reputation, but the Sanders certainly does!"

My father tried to play peacemaker. "Mom, it's not that serious. Anna grew up in the Boltons as a stepsister. It's only natural that their sibling bond would be close. What's most important right now is finding Chloe as quickly as possible."

My mother scoffed, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "Chloe, that little brat, is probably playing some ridiculous game. She's likely hiding somewhere, watching all of us scramble around like fools. She just wants to make us worry on purpose."

"Exactly! Why else would Chloe go through the trouble of contacting relatives in Cloudville to rent a place, book a flight, and

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Chapter 29 Has Mrs Bolton Returned Home?

then not show up? She's obviously creating a false trail. Women can be so cruel when they're jealous and vengeful. She's probably punishing her husband, making him worry while we all suffer alongside him."

The more Luke listened, the deeper his frown grew, his thoughts swirling with confusion and doubt.

"Dad, Mom, just rest assured. I promise I'll find Chloe as quickly as possible," he said with a firm tone.

He released Anna's hand, turning to Grandma. "Grandma, I've said before, I only see Anna as a sister. I'll make sure to keep my distance from her from now on. This is the last time. Now, I have matters to attend to." After saying that, Luke strode out, heading straight for his car. But before he could get in, he was stopped by a group of policemen. Leading them was none other than Nelson.

Upon seeing Luke, Nelson greeted him with a nod. "Mr. Bolton, has Mrs. Bolton returned home yet?"