Loved You Once But He's My Forever (Chloe) novel Chapter 542

Harlan had only recently learned about Zoey's identity and background. He had no knowledge of the entanglements between Bill, Nicholas, and Philippa, so it was only natural that he found the scene before him difficult to comprehend.

It felt like his entire worldview had just collapsed.

Since it wasn't my place to comment on matters between the elders, I simply cleared my throat lightly and said, "The entanglements between my mom and them aren't something that can be explained in just a few words. Just focus on yourself and stay out of other people's affairs."

"Harlan gradually snapped out of his daze. 'I don't fully understand, but I support it. They're divorced, after all—it was a mutual decision. They're free to do whatever they see fit."

The next second, he looked at me with a face full of despair. "Chloe, my Zoey wouldn't do something like this, would she?"

I sighed helplessly. "Relax. One fool is already enough trouble for her. What makes you think she's going to find a second one?"

"Chloe, I think you just insulted me, and I have proof."

Looking at Harlan, I finally understood why Janice had been so infuriated that she jumped into the river. If my husband were as clueless as he was, I'd probably do the same.

"Take your time digesting this. Nicholas is your mother-in-law's first love. He waited for her his whole life. My advice to you? Be smart and don't run your mouth."

This was all I could do to help him.

If Harlan could win over Philippa, he would already be halfway to winning over Zoey.

No matter how much Bill found faults with him, as long as Philippa approved, he would have no choice but to accept him as a son-in-law.

"Harlan, go figure it out yourself."

I turned and went back to the room. Carter still looked sluggish, likely woken up by Harlan while trying to catch up on sleep from the flight.

He lay on the bed, absentmindedly flipping Everett over like a turtle—first onto his back, then onto his stomach, and then back again.

After a few rounds of this, Everett finally had enough. Though he hadn't even learned to crawl yet, sheer frustration made him push himself forward two steps and slap Carter right on the chin.

Only then did Carter snap back to reality, a trace of confusion in his eyes. "What's wrong, Everett?"

I chuckled softly. "What's on your mind?"

Everett looked at me with an aggrieved expression, so I quickly scooped him into my arms and comforted him.

"Daddy didn't mean it."

Carter sat up and gave a weary smile. "Sorry, I was lost in thought."

"What were you thinking about?"

"Nothing. It's not important."

I placed the baby to the side and leaned into his arms. "You're thinking about your mom, aren't you?"

Eleanor and Jeffrey were different. One was a father who had never loved him, while the other was a mother who loved him so much she would die for him.

For all these years, Eleanor had been taking care of him under a different identity. Now that she was suddenly gone, how could he possibly let it go?

He was a man who valued emotions deeply, someone who had always internalized his pain instead of expressing it.

Carter wrapped an arm around my waist and pressed a kiss to my hair. "Chloe, I'm sorry."

"I told you, I don't blame her anymore. Don't be sad. You still have me, Everett, and Everly."

"Chloe."

Carter leaned in toward me with deep affection in his gaze.

Since I had woken up, we hadn't shared any real intimacy.

First, my body had been too weak, and Carter had been afraid he wouldn't be able to hold back and end up hurting me.