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.

cautious. I don't want you to take any

Be careful of Damian; he's the one

typing, another message from Carter

"I already know."

of relief, knowing he was clever enough not to let Damian

turn off my phone now. I'll contact you

off my

body continued

felt no different from the anxiety of cheating during the

managed to send the message that I

deep breath to

I pointed to my face,

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

who was still posing for pictures

worry, she's in a safer position than you

and told me to

skin is too sensitive, what should we do? How about we stay outside where we

of being alone with him, especially with the thought

I wanted to stay with Whitney and watch her

sigh, "Alright, we'll head

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

by the sea and insisted we spend the afternoon building sandcastles on the

felt like I

was so

and when

castle and

smile lit up like

sun.

he said, "Chloe,

had no choice but to lie behind the mermaid he had made, and he snapped a photo of me

were a mermaid, you'd definitely be

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

someone like

never grown up, with a touch of innocence

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

because I was starving-hungry enough to devour an

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

shouldn't

place," he chuckled softly pulling me into his arms.

to push him away, so I simply nodded

starting to like

you like me?" I asked, my

you so much, I'd even give my

let out a bitter laugh. "That

elaborate. "Let's go

he guided me back to