Loved You Once But He's My Forever

Chapter 362 She's Back, Right?

Zoey's feelings for her father were complicated. From childhood, she had always longed for his attention.

She thought Bill's focus was entirely on Philippa, but he had noticed her instead.

"I... "Zoey began.

Her mother, gently placing an arm around her shoulders, introduced her with a smile. "This is Janice, Chloe's friend. She just stopped by to visit."

Bill stared at Zoey for a long moment before he looked away, perhaps reconsidering, realizing it was unlikely.

"I just made it. Drink it while it's hot," Nicholas said, breaking the silence.

He continued, "We had chicken soup yesterday, but that can get boring. I had them make some pigeon soup today."

"Not for you. Why are you so excited about it?"

The tension between the two men was palpable. Before the divorce, Nicholas had always been respectful, quietly observing and never interrupting.

Now, with the divorce finalized, he had taken a more assertive stance, no longer tolerating Bill's behavior.

At that moment, Zoey spoke up, "I actually really like chicken soup. Hmm, may I have some?"

The poor child, even after everything, still the same naive Zoey who longed for her father's love.

She could be ruthless toward Harlan, but in her heart, Bill was still her father.

Zoey couldn't bear to let Bill's efforts go to waste, so she stepped in to defend him.

Bill paused, a little surprised, but then answered, "Of course. I'll serve it for you."

Her mother chimed in, "It's rare that we're all together. Why don't you stay for dinner?"

Bill's face lit up with disbelief, and his eyes shone brightly. "Sure."

His reaction reminded me of a dog's look when its owner walks through the door-excited, happy, and a little desperate.

The look on his face reminded me of a puppy greeting its owner after a long day. It was clear that Bill didn't hold much standing these days. He probably couldn't even step foot inside his ex-wife's house, let alone stay for dinner-it would have been a luxury. He remembered to serve soup to Zoey. The first thing he did when he entered was to begin serving the soup, handing a bowl to Philippa.

After Nicholas went to the kitchen, he lowered his voice and said, "Dinner won't be ready for a while; drink a little to fill your stomach."

you," her mother replied, not putting up

bowl and the

I felt like Bill had guessed

had mushrooms and

Mine had chicken wings.

liked wings, but Zoey

wasn't sure if it reminded her of something connected to that leg of chicken, but she lowered her head quickly, not wanting anyone to notice the emotions in her eyes. Bill stood by, his gaze

don't choke. If you like it, I can make it for you again tomorrow. I'm pretty

"Thank you, Bill."

she thought her father didn't notice, that he

the chicken

around at the time. He said, "I also made some bread. I'll bring it

noticed that his eyes

was strange how similar they were both father

suicide would disappoint her parents, while Bill thought the mess he'd made of his marriage had ruined his

he still couldn't bring himself to claim

I followed him outside.

his house, smoking. Even his

next to him and asked, "Didn't you say you

his cigarette and looked at the distant sunset, his voice heavy with

surprised Mom figured it out. I thought you, of

gave a wry smile. "You never hold back, do you? At least I'm an elder, and I'm your

I ruined your marriage, and a great

toward me and pulled me into

you were my daughter, when I felt that drop of blood, I truly accepted you. At first, I blamed you. But then I realized it was my own fault. When I divorced Philippa, I was reluctant, but then I saw her smile every day in that small town. Gradually, I found peace. Even if she never forgives me, it's okay. I will keep holding onto her smile. You've taught me that loving someone isn't about harming them or taking things from

the past, and not in the

past, I had opened my heart to the Sanders, being the dutiful daughter. But I would never be cautious

were exposed in

I had already severed

or hated you. She only wanted

"I understand."

now. You don't smell good," I said with a look

and said, "I bet you would be

stood up. "Alright, let's

and

room wasn't luxurious, but it had a simple,

bread in the