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

of Damian; he's the one

was typing, another message

"I already know."

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

kill me. Look into her background. I'm going to turn off my

off

continued to tremble

different from the anxiety of cheating during the college

had managed to send the message

hands, took a deep breath to

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

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

Whitney, who was still posing for

in a safer position than you

me into the car and told me to take

How about we stay outside where we

with him, especially with the thought of

told him I wanted to stay with Whitney and watch

sigh, "Alright, we'll head back

he wouldn't have been able to

a quiet spot by the sea and insisted we spend the afternoon building sandcastles

like I

so passionate

and when

and a

his smile lit up

sun.

said, "Chloe, stand in

he had made, and he snapped a

were a mermaid, you'd definitely be the

things were different-if only he

was hard to grasp how someone like him could have such an innocent, pure

a child who had never grown up, with a touch

I noticed the coastline gradually disappearing and

starving-hungry enough

watching as the waves slowly swallowed the sandcastles and mermaid

shouldn't exist

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

away, so I

I'm starting

me?" I asked,

you so much, I'd even give my life for

let out a bitter laugh.

didn't elaborate. "Let's go

hand, he guided me back