Loved You Once But He's My Forever (Chloe) novel Chapter 362

Zoey's feelings for her father were complicated. From childhood, she had always longed for his attention.

She thought Bill's focus was entirely on Philippa, but he had noticed her instead.

"I … " Zoey began.

Her mother, gently placing an arm around her shoulders, introduced her with a smile. "This is Janice, Chloe's friend. She just stopped by to visit."

Bill stared at Zoey for a long moment before he looked away, perhaps reconsidering, realizing it was unlikely.

"I just made it. Drink it while it's hot," Nicholas said, breaking the silence.

He continued, "We had chicken soup yesterday, but that can get boring. I had them make some pigeon soup today."

"Not for you. Why are you so excited about it?"

The tension between the two men was palpable. Before the divorce, Nicholas had always been respectful, quietly observing and never interrupting.

Now, with the divorce finalized, he had taken a more assertive stance, no longer tolerating Bill's behavior.

At that moment, Zoey spoke up, "I actually really like chicken soup. Hmm, may I have some?"

The poor child, even after everything, still the same naive Zoey who longed for her father's love.

She could be ruthless toward Harlan, but in her heart, Bill was still her father.

Zoey couldn't bear to let Bill's efforts go to waste, so she stepped in to defend him.

Bill paused, a little surprised, but then answered, "Of course. I'll serve it for you."

Her mother chimed in, "It's rare that we're all together. Why don't you stay for dinner?"

Bill's face lit up with disbelief, and his eyes shone brightly. "Sure."

His reaction reminded me of a dog's look when its owner walks through the door—excited, happy, and a little desperate.

The look on his face reminded me of a puppy greeting its owner after a long day. It was clear that Bill didn't hold much standing these days. He probably couldn't even step foot inside his ex-wife's house, let alone stay for dinner—it would have been a luxury.

He remembered to serve soup to Zoey. The first thing he did when he entered was to begin serving the soup, handing a bowl to Philippa.

After Nicholas went to the kitchen, he lowered his voice and said, "Dinner won't be ready for a while; drink a little to fill your stomach."

"Thank you," her mother replied, not putting up any resistance.

Bill handed me a second bowl and the third to Zoey.

I don't know why, but I felt like Bill had guessed something.

Zoey's bowl had mushrooms and a chicken leg.

Mine had chicken wings.

I liked wings, but Zoey liked mushrooms.

Looking at the chicken leg, Zoey's eyes reddened slightly. I wasn't sure if it reminded her of something connected to that leg of chicken, but she lowered her head quickly, not wanting anyone to notice the emotions in her eyes.

Bill stood by, his gaze full of affection.

"Eat slowly; don't choke. If you like it, I can make it for you again tomorrow. I'm pretty good at cooking now."

"Thank you, Bill."

That poor girl, she thought her father didn't notice, that he was so out of touch.

Tears fell into the chicken soup, causing ripples to form.

Bill turned around at the time. He said, "I also made some bread. I'll bring it over later."

I noticed that his eyes were red too.

It was strange how similar they were—both father and daughter, twisted in their own way.

Zoey thought suicide would disappoint her parents, while Bill thought the mess he'd made of his marriage had ruined his daughter's life.

Even though he had recognized Zoey, he still couldn't bring himself to claim her as his daughter.

I followed him outside.

Bill sat in front of his house, smoking. Even his shadow seemed lonely.

I sat next to him and asked, "Didn't you say you were going to bake bread?"