Even after Her Death (Chloe and Luke) novel Chapter 405

Ever since being schemed by Damian, every day had been filled with anxiety, and I'd been desperate to see Carter again.

Last night, we parted so quickly that I didn't even get a good look at him.

He had cleaned himself up just to see me. The stubble from the video call was gone and every strand of his hair was perfectly styled.

He didn't want me to see him looking disheveled, but I could still tell he'd lost weight.

In just a few short days, his features had become sharper and his entire presence radiated an intense aura.

I reached out to brush away the shadow clouding his brow. I wanted to call his name, but no sound would come out.

"Chloe, come with me. I can't leave you with the Carlyns anymore," he said.

I shook my head and grabbed his phone, typing out a message.

"Whitney has a chip implanted somewhere in her body; I don't know the exact location. Also, the Sander residence is rigged with explosives. If we want to take Whitney, we need to solve these two problems first.

Carter pulled me into a tight embrace. "Chloe, we'll deal with Whitney later. Taylor hasn't hurt her after all these years, which means he's not planning to hurt her anytime soon. But you're different—if you're discovered, it's a dead end for you."

He spoke with logical calmness. "We've fought so hard to get to this point. Chloe, I know you can't bear to leave Whitney, but can you bear to leave me?"

In the dim, warm light, his icy expression was replaced by a desperate plea.

I silently mouthed his name. "Carl."

Conflicting emotions tore at me.

If it were anyone else from the Sanders, I wouldn't hesitate to leave.

But it was Whitney. She was a victim, too.

I thought about the excitement in her eyes when I returned last night. She wanted me to escape, yet at the same time, she didn't want me to leave her behind.

I understood Carter's concern for me.

He would risk his life to ensure I survived. If anything happened to me, he'd lose his mind.

He didn't know I had already lost the Stone of Duality. My fate would no longer transfer to him.

Every moment I stayed with the Carlyns felt like dancing on the edge of a blade. Perhaps fate would have its way after all, and I would end up dying at their hands.

My rationality told me to leave and to get as far away from them as possible.

But Whitney was still waiting for me.

I clung to Carter's jacket tightly. The world doesn't allow for perfection. I couldn't have it all.

I loved him and I also loved Whitney.

His fingers gently brushed my cheek. "Chloe, don't you want a child? Come home with me. We'll have children, lots of adorable children."

This liar. He was using children to persuade me now.

I buried my head against his chest, listening to the familiar rhythm of his heartbeat. I stayed silent, giving him neither a reply nor a promise.

Whitney had endured 20 years of suffering, but hadn't he waited 20 years for me as well?

No matter what decision I made, one of them would be in pain.

"Carl, please don't force me."

I pleaded with him silently.

He let out a soft sigh. "Alright, I won't force you."

Just when I thought he was about to give in, our eyes met. His gaze was deep and unwavering.

Then, he pulled out a white cloth, ready and waiting. Before I could react, he pressed it against my nose and mouth.

"I'm sorry, Chloe."

Before losing consciousness, I heard his apology.

"I've never been a good person. Please forgive my selfishness. There will never be anyone more important to me than you. I can't let you risk your life."

Darkness swallowed my vision, and my body went limp in his arms.

Carter, for the first time, had refused me.

And, he chose for me in his way.