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

a second bowl and the third to

why, but I felt like Bill had

had mushrooms and a chicken

Mine had chicken wings.

but Zoey

that leg of chicken,

I can make it for you again tomorrow. I'm pretty good at

"Thank you, Bill."

didn't

fell into the chicken soup, causing ripples to

"I

that his eyes were

were both father and daughter, twisted in

Bill thought the mess he'd made of his marriage had ruined his daughter's

though he had recognized Zoey, he still couldn't bring himself to

I followed him outside.

house, smoking. Even

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

out his cigarette and looked at the distant sunset, his voice

out. I thought you, of all

back, do you? At least

great international CEO like you has been reduced

he turned toward me and pulled

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 them. Seeing her pleased

in the

being the dutiful daughter. But I would never be cautious around them

exposed in the future,

already severed

than Zoey. She's a kind child, and she never blamed you or hated you.

"I understand."

let go of me now. You don't smell good," I said with a look

said, "I bet you would be a loving

and stood up. "Alright, let's go bake that

smiled and

it had a simple,

the bread in the kitchen, he handed me