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 any unnecessary

understand. Be careful of Damian; he's the one who had me

was typing, another message from

"I already know."

a sigh of relief, knowing he was clever enough not

kill me. Look into her background. I'm going to turn off my phone now. I'll contact you

off my

continued to tremble

felt no different from the anxiety of cheating during

least, I had managed to send the message that I was

took a deep breath to steady myself,

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

good for your

gestured toward Whitney, who was still posing

she's in a safer position than

me to take off my

do? How about we stay outside where

thought of

told him I wanted to stay with Whitney and watch

sigh,

to come over; if I had, he wouldn't have been able to find

a quiet spot by the sea and insisted

felt like I was babysitting

so

and when

a castle and a

shore, his smile

sun.

said, "Chloe, stand

no choice but to lie behind the mermaid he had made, and he snapped

a mermaid, you'd definitely be the most

gazed at his genuine smile, wishing things were different-if only he weren't a

how someone like him could have such an innocent, pure

grown up, with

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

mostly because I was starving-hungry

still, watching as the waves slowly swallowed the sandcastles and mermaid tail we had worked on all afternoon.

shouldn't exist

his arms. "But it's alright. You will always be with me,

dare to push him away,

amazing. I'm starting to like you

me?" I asked, my

fingers lightly traced my shape. "I care about you so much,

a bitter laugh. "That seems

didn't elaborate. "Let's

he guided