Loved You Once But He's My Forever

Chapter 542 The Beauty of Life

Harlan had only recently learned about Zoey's identity and background. He had no knowledge of the entanglements between Bill, Nicholas, and Philippa, so it was only natural that he found the scene before him difficult to comprehend.

It felt like his entire worldview had just collapsed.

Since it wasn't my place to comment on matters between the elders, I simply cleared my throat lightly and said, "The entanglements between my mom and them aren't something that can be explained in just a few words. Just focus on yourself and stay out of other people's affairs."

"Harlan gradually snapped out of his daze. 'I don't fully understand, but I support it. They're divorced, after all-it was a mutual decision. They're free to do whatever they see fit."

The next second, he looked at me with a face full of despair. "Chloe, my Zoey wouldn't do something like this, would she?"

I sighed helplessly. "Relax. One fool is already enough trouble for her. What makes you think she's going to find a second one?"

"Chloe, I think you just insulted me, and I have proof."

Looking at Harlan, I finally understood why Janice had been so infuriated that she jumped into the river. If my husband were as clueless as he was, I'd probably do the same.

"Take your time digesting this. Nicholas is your mother-in-law's first love. He waited for her his whole life. My advice to you? Be smart and don't run your mouth."

This was all I could do to help him.

If Harlan could win over Philippa, he would already be halfway to winning over Zoey.

No matter how much Bill found faults with him, as long as Philippa approved, he would have no choice but to accept him as a son-in-law.

"Harlan, go figure it out yourself."

I turned and went back to the room. Carter still looked sluggish, likely woken up by Harlan while trying to catch up on sleep from the flight.

He lay on the bed, absentmindedly flipping Everett over like a turtle-first onto his back, then onto his stomach, and then back again.

After a few rounds of this, Everett finally had enough. Though he hadn't even learned to crawl yet, sheer frustration made him push himself forward two steps and slap Carter right on the chin.

Only then did Carter snap back to reality, a trace of confusion in his eyes. "What's wrong, Everett?"

I chuckled softly. "What's on your mind?"

Everett looked at me with an aggrieved expression, so I quickly scooped him into my arms and comforted him.

"Daddy didn't mean it."

gave a weary smile. "Sorry, I

were you

"Nothing. It's not important."

into his arms. "You're thinking

never loved him, while the other was a mother who loved him so much she would die

years, Eleanor had been taking care of him under a different identity. Now that she was suddenly gone,

who had always internalized

around my waist and pressed a kiss to my

her anymore. Don't be sad. You still have me, Everett,

"Chloe."

in toward me with deep affection in

woken up, we hadn't shared

and Carter had been

hold back and end up hurting

had been too

things happening one after

family members passing away, constant changes.

time nor the energy for

en

been on taking

were back in this small town,

my arms around Carter's neck and whispered

as we were about to kiss,

Everett had crawled between us and was now sitting upright, staring at

and covered the little

lashes fluttered against my palm,

"Ah boo boo..."

side, Everly was chewing on her own

made an adorably

glanced at Carter

Everly and pulled her foot out of

the buttons on his shirt, trying to

Her tiny hands were still sticky

"You little glutton."

skillfully prepared a