Loved You Once But He's My Forever (Chloe) novel Chapter 459

Zoey stiffened for a moment, and her mood suddenly dropped. "Chloe, I won't be with him."

I guided her to sit on a nearby bench, the warm sunlight gently shining on her face.

Janice had an enchanting presence, with the spirit of someone much younger within her. Zoey's emotional maturity might not have even reached 20 years.

When innocence and desire appeared together on the same face, it created an intriguing appeal, one she didn't even realize. But as a woman, I couldn't help but be moved just by looking at her.

I didn't believe Harlan wasn't affected. If he weren't, how could he later lower his pride to try and win her over?

Zoey lowered her head, fidgeting with her fingers. "I used to hate him. I hated his coldness and cruelty. Janice was the woman his grandfather forced on him. To rebel, he pushed her away. The original Janice was a pushover. She'd follow him around asking if he wanted to eat or shower, then cry in secret when Nina would provoke her. When I was reborn into this body, I had no patience for him.

"This guy is so unpredictable. I'm harsh with him because I want to divorce him as soon as possible. But instead, he's started clinging to me. Chloe, I'm not an idiot. I know he's started developing feelings for me.

"When I came back from the small town, I was ready to die at any moment. I wanted to get the divorce over with quickly so he wouldn't get too caught up in it. Janice is a tragic figure, and the world is already cruel enough. But I never expected that on Whitney's wedding day, he would throw caution to the wind and stop car after car for me."

Zoey's voice shook slightly as she spoke, "At that moment, I admit, I was moved. I finally understood why women in novels would fall for the hero who saved them. I couldn't avoid this cliché either. Over the phone, I promised him we wouldn't divorce.

"But when I saw him all bruised and battered, I came back to my senses. His pain was my fault. Being with me could only bring him more misery. Even if not, we wouldn't last. If our relationship is doomed to end tragically, why start it? It's better to cut our losses before it's too late."

Despite her youth, Zoey was more clear-headed than most people.

"So, you deliberately pushed him, made him eat durian, pretended to be jealous, and fought with him and Nina—just to make him hate you and ask for a divorce?"

Zoey twisted her wrist. "Not really. I just wanted to mess with them. You don't know how horrible Nina was to Janice before. I wanted to get justice for her. As for Harlan, shouldn't he be scolded for eating that hypocrite's cereal?"

I laughed. "Are you trying to kill me with laughter?"

Zoey had her principles and was more rational than anyone who might call her naive.

"Chloe, Harlan and I are nothing like you and Carter. You two have so many ties, but Harlan and I—our feelings are more like the start of a teenage crush. How many couples marry their first love? I want to keep my feelings in check before they get too deep. Even if we split up in the future, it won't hurt as much."

But love wasn't something that built up over time.

When Harlan risked his life for her, she was already too invested.

Zoey had her reasons for this mindset. In the end, I was just a bystander, and like Whitney and Taylor, their fate would decide their outcome.

I sighed softly. "Even if you want him to dislike you, he needs to eat well to heal. Don't do this to him again. If you starve me for a day, I'll hold a grudge forever."

I couldn't forget being starved by Yael on Rosbel Island, especially since Harlan was injured.

Zoey stuck her tongue out. "I know, but I truly like Limburger cheese."

I gave her a gentle hug. "Well, as long as you like it, don't worry about others. Just live your life and enjoy it. I'll support whatever you decide."

"Great."

"What are some of those 100 things you want to do? Can I join in?" I winked at her.

Maybe it was because I was older than Zoey and Whitney, but I always tried to take care of them in a more mature way, even though I lacked their youthful energy and liveliness.

Zoey smiled. "Yes, let's take a friend's wedding photos! Chloe, your body belongs to me. It'll be so much fun taking photos with me!"

I stood up and started walking away. "Thanks for the invite, but I'll only take wedding photos with Carl."