Loved You Once But He's My Forever

Chapter 455 Anna, Live Your Life Well

The ocarina I held in my hands was a perfect replica of the one owned by the silver-haired old woman. Everything suddenly made sense, confirming my suspicions.

Yael noticed my fixed gaze on the ocarina and asked curiously, "Chloe, what's wrong? Don't you like it? Should I make a better one for you?"

I shook my head gently, responding softly, "There's no need. This one is just right. Thank you."

"Chloe, you seem different. Is something bothering you?"

"Maybe it's just that so much has happened, and I'm feeling worn out. I'll go check on your cousin."

I glanced at him with a faint smile and added, "Yael, from now on, consider us family."

He froze, his expression full of disbelief. "Y-you don't hate me?"

I motioned for him to come closer, and when he did, I lightly patted his head. "I know your hands are clean. You've never taken a life, and you even went out of your way to create a body for me." Yael, in the end, was just another victim of his circumstances. How different was he from me?

His lips tightened, and he looked as though he was lost in his thoughts.

I wrapped him in a gentle hug. "One day, you'll find a girl who truly loves you, and you'll understand what real love feels like."

"Chloe... could that person be you?"

Meeting his questioning eyes, I answered softly, "Before you can love anyone else, you need to learn how to love yourself first."

"And if I do learn? Would you love me then?"

"Carter and I will both love you."

Yael scrunched up his face, pouting like a child. "I don't want his love. That's gross."

"As if I'd want to love you either. Ugh."

A disdainful voice interrupted us, and I turned to see Carter standing a few steps away.

He called out, "Chloe, come here."

Yael grabbed my hand in protest. "Chloe, you're not his dog. Just because he calls you doesn't mean you have to go running. Have some pride!"

Ignoring him, I broke free and dashed toward Carter, throwing myself into his arms. With a teasing smile, I quipped, "Woof."

stood frozen

world had come crashing down. Without another word, he

tone scolding yet tender. "Don't

still a kid. Go easy on him. Honestly, he's probably the cleanest person in

of how Taylor had fiercely protected Whitney, it was clear he'd do the same for his

something inherently touching about purity, especially to someone like me who's faced death. I understood

and a flicker of emotion crossed his eyes. I leaned into him, wrapping my arms around his waist and pressing my face against his chest.

"I know."

gently, his tone sincere. "If fate doesn't change, Chloe, we'll face the next life together. Don't leave

one. If

suffered the pain of being

joked lightly, "How about we pick a

alive to hear me joke about picking our burial plots, she'd probably scold

Carter was here the one person who would humor me no matter how absurd

took my hand, leading me to a large

apart from those few days in the small town. Carter picked up the ocarina from my hands and smiled faintly. "Alright, where would you

the sea, surrounded by blooming flowers that bloom in spring. I'd like fruit trees and vibrant blossoms all year round. Even after a hundred or a thousand years wouldn't grow tired of it if

he said with

why are you

lost too many chances, Chloe. I've had

fame, and immeasurable wealth

compares to even one glance from

below the horizon, we intertwined our fingers. "Then let's stay together,

...

attended Grandma's cremation. Taylor had informed me

its advantages. I even managed to secure the best

by the flickering flames, I whispered my

wary of Whitney losing control, had kept this from

presence,

fact that

I couldn't hold back my tears, which fell silently, soaking the

I'm sorry. I promised

fluttered through the dim night, landing delicately on the

I whispered,

soft as he said, "Grandma, I promise to take care of Chloe. Rest in peace." The butterfly flapped its wings once and vanished into the

Ethan passed, I had to witness