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 in

down. Without another

my nose lightly, his tone scolding yet tender. "Don't degrade

kid. Go easy on

Whitney, it was clear he'd do the

especially to someone like me who's faced death. I understood Taylor's emotions more clearly now. "Whatever

crossed his eyes. I leaned into him, wrapping my arms around his waist and pressing my face against his chest. "This

"I know."

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

live as one. If we die, we share a grave. No

pain

joked lightly, "How about we pick a

joke about picking our burial plots,

was here the one person who would

a large rock. We sat

days in the small town. Carter picked up the ocarina from my hands and smiled

all year round. Even after a hundred or a thousand years wouldn't grow tired

said with a gentle

are you so good

lost too many chances, Chloe. I've

fame, and immeasurable wealth

to even one

intertwined our fingers.

...

cremation. Taylor

into enemy territory had its advantages. I even managed

the flickering flames, I

Whitney losing control, had kept this from

a silent presence,

done plenty of unforgivable things, and the fact

back my tears, which fell silently, soaking the ground beneath

this far. I'm sorry. I

butterfly fluttered through the dim night,

I whispered, "Grandma,

said, "Grandma, I promise to take care of Chloe.

had to witness another loved