Even after Her Death by Rita Bond

Chapter 383 Leave No Regrets

Zoey and I walked away, the sound of the ocarina drifting behind us, like a soft, wistful goodbye.

She glanced over at me, her curiosity clear. "What did you tell her when you ran back?"

"Just thanked her."

"Chloe," Zoey pressed, "we're still best friends, right? You're hiding something, aren't you? You figured it out, didn't you? Who is she?"

I stared at the sunset, the colors fading behind the horizon. "It doesn't matter now."

I'd ruined Carter's plan, but as long as he was safe, I could finally breathe easier.

Nicholas was waiting for us at the corner. Bill, apron on was setting the table, a feast spread out in front of him.

Mom, her hands on her belly, stood up slowly. "You're back!"

Zoey and I rushed to help her, one on each side. "Take it easy," I told her.

"You two are back already? I thought you'd be gone longer. Did someone give you trouble out there?" Mom asked with a teasing smile.

Once Zoey had greeted Mom, there was no need for any more pretending. She leaned in and gave her a soft nuzzle, her smile bright. "No, I just missed you."

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Mom patted Zoey's head gently. "I'm not worried about Carter and Chloe. Carter clearly dotes on her. But your father still has connections in Jaford. If things get bad, he can step in and help you get a divorce. I don't want you suffering anymore."

"Thanks, Mom. He can't hurt me. I'm just staying in Jaford for a while, hanging out. I want to spend time with you, especially before Chloe heads back home."

"As long as no one's bothering you. Let's eat," Mom said, taking one of my hands and one of Zoey's.

The dinner was full of laughter. Zoey's smile never faded.

Later that night, we lay side by side in bed. My thoughts were still with Carter.

Even though I'd just said goodnight to him on video, my heart remained heavy with worry.

"Chloe, what's your biggest regret?" Zoey asked, breaking the silence.

I gazed up at the stars, my voice calm. "I used to think my greatest regret would be not avenging the people who hurt me. But with Silas, Sheila, and the others gone, I see it differently now. Instead of focusing on revenge, I want to cherish those I still have. My biggest regret is not being able to grow old with him."

Zoey put her hands behind her head, staring up at the ceiling. "I don't have your grudges, and I don't have anyone I love. I used to just live one day at a time, but now that I know how things will turn out, I've changed my mind."

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"How so?".

want a passionate,

"I'm all for it."

with a grin. "When I get back, I'm divorcing Harlan and hitting up a

stared at her, stunned. "Are you

don't have the luxury of time. So, why not make the most of it? And

guess you have a

seemed to picture it and grinned. "When the time comes, I won't care

about Harlan?" I asked, raising

at our

take it easy. You could end up with something you

a big bang!" When Zoey latched

my face flush. "Why don't you try and see for

smirking. "I've read that a lot of men only last 30 seconds. Most guys don't even last a

rolled her eyes. "What can you even

the subject,"

I grabbed my phone, debating whether I should text

him-he worked so hard every day and probably had a lot

my

A message from Carter.

"Are you asleep?"

must be thinking of

I can't sleep because I'm thinking

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months ago, I would've cringed at words like that. My chats with Luke were always about business- never anything this

when you're in

to share

the best part is, when you share something, it's nice to get a

just listen, and I won't

close, and his voice came

his voice, to the rhythm of his breathing, I drifted off to sleep almost

That night, I dreamed.