Loved You Once But He's My Forever

Chapter 400 Chloe, Come Here

His raspy voice reached my ears, and just hearing it made my eyes well up with tears.

I swiftly changed the call to video, confident that even with makeup masking my features, Carter would recognize me without hesitation.

At last, his face appeared on the screen.

Gone was his usual commanding presence. Carter, who always made sure to look impeccable around me and often rose before I did to maintain his polished image, now appeared bare-faced and freshly shaven. What appeared before me was a man with unkempt stubble lining his jaw, a stark contrast to the clean-shaven look I had always known.

In just a few days, he seemed to have withered. His hollowed cheeks, the heavy shadows under his eyes, and the alarming redness in his gaze told a story of sleepless nights and relentless worry.

For a brief moment, I struggled to connect this gaunt figure with the Carter I loved so deeply.

The face in the video was unfamiliar, completely unrecognizable. The moment he saw me, he was clearly stunned, his expression tinged with a trace of astonishment.

As our eyes locked, his lips moved. "Chloe?" Even with the sound muted, I could clearly read it.

I nodded vigorously, silently mouthing, It's me, Carter!

Every second was precious, and I quickly gestured to my throat and then around me. He caught on instantly, saying, "You've lost your voice, and it's dangerous where you are, isn't it?"

I nodded once more, pointing urgently to the phone screen. He didn't hesitate, understanding the urgency.

All feelings of love and yearning were pushed aside; the priority now was finding a way to rescue me.

He nodded and said, "Send me your location right now."

Once he confirmed who I was, Carter didn't hesitate.

Before ending the call, I saw his lips move. "Chloe, I miss you."

Carter, so am I.

But right now, I can't express it.

Zoey was truly dependable. She not only downloaded all the essential apps beforehand but also logged into WhatsApp for me.

I wasn't sure whose number she had used to register, but it was much better than being unable to log into my account once I got the phone.

Carter saved my number immediately, and I quickly shared my location with him.

My fingers moved swiftly across the screen, almost as if they were sparking.

Time was running out, and any delay would surely raise suspicion.

I quickly explained the situation, knowing that if Carter rushed to rescue me without careful planning, the consequences could be disastrous. If he angered the two brothers, Whitney and I could be in even greater danger. My main goal right now was to reassure him, to let him know that I was still alive and well.

The best chance for a successful escape would be during Whitney's wedding, when the chaos could provide the perfect cover.

Since everyone outside believes I'm dead, it's actually the most advantageous situation for us.

want you to take

he's the one who had me

I was typing, another message from

"I already know."

relief, knowing he was clever enough

off my phone now. I'll

powered off

body continued to

anxiety of

managed to send the message that I was

breath to steady myself,

his cigarette, and I pointed to my face, silently indicating that my makeup had smudged

saying, "This special effects makeup isn't good for your skin and shouldn't be worn

toward Whitney, who was still posing for

worry, she's in a safer position

into the car and told me to take off my makeup, my cheeks

sensitive, what should we do? How about we stay

of being alone with him, especially with the thought of him marking me, made me quickly shake my

I wanted to stay with Whitney and watch

let out a sigh, "Alright, we'll head back

he

sea and insisted we spend

I was

so

and when

and a

smile lit

sun.

"Chloe, stand

behind the mermaid he had made, and he snapped a photo of me with his

were a mermaid, you'd definitely be the

gazed at his genuine smile, wishing things were different-if only

grasp how someone like him could have such an innocent,

who had never grown up, with a touch of innocence in his

to darken, I noticed the coastline gradually disappearing and gently reminded him,

I was starving-hungry enough to devour

swallowed the sandcastles and mermaid tail we had worked on all afternoon. "What

things shouldn't exist

place," he chuckled softly pulling me into his arms. "But it's

didn't dare to push him away, so I simply

you're truly amazing. I'm starting to

much do you like me?" I

my shape. "I care about you so much, I'd even give my life for

bitter

elaborate. "Let's

hand, he guided me back to