Loved You Once But He's My Forever (Chloe) novel Chapter 455

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."

Yael stood frozen in shock.

For him, it felt like his world had come crashing down. Without another word, he turned and walked away, looking utterly defeated.

Carter tapped my nose lightly, his tone scolding yet tender. "Don't degrade yourself like that."

"I was just teasing him. He's still a kid. Go easy on him. Honestly, he's probably the cleanest person in the Carlyn family."

Thinking of how Taylor had fiercely protected Whitney, it was clear he'd do the same for his only brother.

There was something inherently touching about purity, especially to someone like me who's faced death. I understood Taylor's emotions more clearly now.

"Whatever you say," Carter said with a nod.

His gaze fell on the ocarina I was holding, and a flicker of emotion crossed his eyes. I leaned into him, wrapping my arms around his waist and pressing my face against his chest.

"This time, things will end differently."

"I know."

He cupped my face gently, his tone sincere. "If fate doesn't change, Chloe, we'll face the next life together. Don't leave me behind again."

"Alright. If we live, we live as one. If we die, we share a grave. No more deceptions."

Both of us had suffered the pain of being abandoned by the other.

Life together, death in the same grave—what more was there to fear? I joked lightly, "How about we pick a resting place with a nice view and pre-order a double tomb?"

If Grandma were alive to hear me joke about picking our burial plots, she'd probably scold me harshly.

But Carter was here—the one person who would humor me no matter how absurd my ideas were.

He took my hand, leading me to a large rock. We sat together, gazing at the endless sea.

Moments like these—peaceful and serene—were rare for us, apart from those few days in the small town.

Carter picked up the ocarina from my hands and smiled faintly. "Alright, where would you like it?"