Loved You Once But He's My Forever (Chloe) novel Chapter 354

When she was alive, I had never interacted with her for even a single day. And yet, I am the person in this world who understands her the most, who empathizes with her the deepest.

The fact that she was still alive—it filled me with immeasurable joy.

I hugged her tightly, unwilling to let go. "Thank God! Thank God!" You're still here.

"Janice, who is this?" A sugary, fake-sweet voice rang out behind us.

Other people's family affairs aren't my concern. But Zoey? She's not just anyone to me.

In the brief exchange between the three of them, I had roughly pieced together their relationships.

I'm Chloe Sander, 28 years old, and she's Zoey Gardner, 20. She's like a sister to me.

Instinctively, I pulled her behind me, shielding her. My eyes scanned the woman who stood next to the man in the suit.

To be fair, Harlan had the kind of polished charm that hides a rotten core—a handsome face with refined, aristocratic features, a tall and lean build, and a cold, distant demeanor.

But if he'd done Zoey wrong, I'll be the first to make him pay.

"Carter, this is your wife, isn't it?" Harlan started, breaking the silence.

I glanced at the woman in the white dress clinging to his arm. "Mr. Pearson, hello. And this must be Mrs. Pearson, correct?"

That woman's face lit up with triumph when I said that, a smug smile spreading across her lips.

Harlan frowned. He was visibly displeased. "She's not."

I smirked and said, "Oh, my mistake. With how she's hanging onto your arm, her chest practically glued to you, I just assumed she's your wife. My apologies, Mr. Pearson."

Though I apologized, everyone present could tell I was being deliberately snide.

Carter coughed awkwardly and said, "That's on me. Let me introduce everyone properly. This is Harlan, whom I've mentioned to you before. And this lady here is his wife, Janice."

His voice trailed off as he gestured toward the woman, clearly not planning to elaborate. The smug woman's expectant expression froze in place.

Since Carter wasn't going to help her out, she took the initiative and introduced herself, "I'm Nina White. My family and Harlan's are old friends."

I nodded with mock understanding. "Ah, I see. Carter, I suppose customs are different where she's from. Where I'm from, even childhood friends understand the importance of boundaries. They don't cling to married men so intimately. Jaford must have a particularly progressive culture."

Then I added, "You don't have any other childhood sweethearts or old flames like this around here, do you? Because I'm petty and couldn't possibly tolerate a husband who doesn't respect his vows."

Carter knew I was being deliberately sarcastic but couldn't refute me.

I knew it was rude, but I couldn't stand anyone mistreating Zoey.

Zoey, I'll protect you.

Never again will I let anyone drive you to despair.

Harlan's expression darkened, clearly catching on to my jabs. Out of respect for Carter, he didn't lash out. Instead, he withdrew his arm from Nina and turned to Janice. "Come here."

Zoey was different from how she used to be. But, of course, dying once changes a person.

She lazily glanced at Harlan and retorted, "Are you my dad or something? Just because you call me over doesn't mean I'll come. How embarrassing."

The mention of Bill made me impatient; I had so many things I wanted to talk to her about.

Harlan clearly wasn't expecting her to embarrass him in front of everyone. His face turned an even darker shade.

Carter, trying to defuse the tension, said, "Let's all sit."

Harlan pulled out the seat next to him and looked at Zoey. However, Zoey didn't even glance at him. Instead, she plopped down next to me.

Somehow, we ended up becoming the closest of friends in that room.

"Harlan, if Janice won't sit, I'll join you," Nina offered, trying to salvage the situation.

I gave her a quick glance and asked, "Ms. White, weren't you about to leave? Why sit back down?"

Nina forced a sheepish laugh and said, "I just remembered that I actually don't have anything urgent to do."

Harlan, glaring at Zoey and me, asked, "You two know each other?"

I shook my head and said, "No, but the moment I met her, I felt like she was my soulmate."

Zoey snorted, "What does it matter to you? Shut up already."

Harlan was speechless.

Ah, I see.