Loved You Once But He's My Forever (Chloe) novel Chapter 26

After the cake was cut, everyone sat down to eat, but Grandma excused herself, saying she wasn't feeling well, and returned to her room.

I returned to the Bible scripture, waiting quietly.

From the doorway, I could hear Grandma's voice. "Mrs. Lambert, get someone to check out what's going on in Cloudville. Something doesn't feel right."

"Old Madam, are you that sure the person in that video isn't Ms. Chloe?"

Grandma shot Mrs. Lambert a look. "I watched Chloe grow up. Don't you think I know her character? Even if she'd fallen for someone else, she'd have divorced Luke first. She wouldn't do something like this while still married."

"You're right. Ms. Chloe has turned down countless suitors over the years. She's always been sensible, so it's unlikely she'd lose her mind and use her body to get back at Mr. Bolton out of spite."

Grandma gritted her teeth. "If I can figure this out, how is it that Luke, who grew up with her, believes other people's lies? When Chloe comes back, I'll make sure she divorces him. Marriage is built on trust, and if even her husband can't believe in her, what's the point of staying together?"

I couldn't help but feel a sting in my eyes after listening to her words. Grandma saw things clearly, yet the person who grew up by my side just couldn't understand.

"Anyway, quietly have someone look into what's going on in Cloudville. Find out what Chloe is doing over there."

"All right, Old Madam, you should wash up and get some rest. Maybe Ms. Chloe will be back tomorrow."

"Fine."

Grandma let out a long sigh and went to the bathroom to freshen up.

At ten o'clock, after taking her medicine, Grandma sat staring at the slice of cake on the table. She had glanced at it several times that night.

"Old Madam, you should sleep."

"It's not midnight yet. I'm waiting for Chloe."

When she mentioned me, a gentle light appeared in her eyes. "She's always loved sweets since she was little, and I've always spoiled her. I even found a chef to teach me how to make her favorite treats. She's such a sweet child. Even when I got older and couldn't get around easily, she would often come over to cook for me."

"She'd say, since I watched her grow up, she'd take care of me as I grew old."

As she spoke, tears streamed down Grandma's face. "Mrs. Lambert, Chloe has always been so devoted. She'd never just disappear. I'm just afraid something's happened to her."

"Old Madam, Ms. Chloe's not a child anymore. She's a grown woman. What could happen to her? And with how fast news spreads these days, if something did happen, we'd have heard by now."

Mrs. Lambert patted Grandma's shoulder like she was comforting a child. "Don't worry, Ms. Chloe's probably just upset with Mr. Bolton. Women have their moods, and she's likely avoiding him by turning off her phone so he can't reach her through us. She's just mad at him right now. Remember, she even prayed for you not long ago. Ms. Chloe cares deeply about you."

Grandma wiped her tears. "Yes, Chloe would never let anything bad happen. But Luke is such a fool. We need to teach him a lesson."

"That's the spirit! And if you cry until your eyes are all swollen, it'll only make Ms. Chloe feel worse."

Grandma gave the cake one last look. "If she comes back, make sure she eats it. I saved it, especially for her."

"Of course. You rest now. I'll keep an eye on the door, and if Ms. Chloe returns, I'll tell you right away."

After listening to their conversation, I reached out toward the cake, desperately wanting a taste—just one bite, even if it were my last. After all, it was Grandma's wish.

My fingers passed through the cake over and over, and I screamed in anguish, but no one could hear me.

Oh, Lord! Why was it me who had to die?

I'm not ready to let go!

Why do good people die so soon, while the wicked get to keep on living?

Grandma tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. She clutched her Bible close as if it could offer her some comfort.

It reminded me of how she used to hold me when I was little. Her embrace was so warm.

So warm that it made me wish I could become human again, just to fulfill the wishes I hadn't yet completed.

When midnight came, Grandma finally fell asleep, still unwilling to give up hope after waiting so long for me.

I left her side and returned to Luke's hands once more.