Loved You Once But He's My Forever

Chapter 489 Thunderstorm Night After leaving Jeffrey's room, I followed Carter back to ours. As he closed the door behind us, I asked, "What's really going on? Are you and Dad planning something?" Carter cupped my face gently. "There's nothing for you to worry about. Dad just said that pregnant women shouldn't stay up late. Go take a shower and rest." "But..." Before I could finish, he ledtoward the bathroom. "Carl, I'm not at the point where I can't take care of myself. I can manage a shower." "Fine," he said, relenting slightly. "But tomorrow, I'll have Damian add an extra layer of non-slip mats in the bathroom and put a carpet in the bedroom. It's better to be cautious." Though it seemed a little much, I knew he was just being thoughtful, so I did not argue. "Okay." "Be careful when you get up after your shower," he added.

"I know, Honey." I stood on tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "I'll be careful, but if there's any news from Whitney, you have to tellright away." "I will," he promised.

As he stepped out, I realized he had skillfully avoided answering my question.

What exactly had Jeffrey meant earlier? Were they planning something involving Alisa? Recently, I spent most of my twith Whitney during her treatment at Sergio's. What had they been up to at home? Maybe Carter did not want to tellbecause he was afraid I would stress over it.

And honestly, what could I do right now? I wasn't in a position to help-I'd only end up being a burden. For now, I decided to listen to Carter and get srest.

The night stretched wide and endless, yet it seemed no one had a child as big as mine.

After my shower, I felt refreshed.

A cool breeze swept into the room, making the curtains flutter wildly I walked toward the window, my nightgown swaying gently with the breeze.

I glanced at the yard below. Everything seemed normal, nothing out of the ordinary.

Shaking my head, I dismissed my thoughts as overthinking.

Sliding under the blanket, I felt an unusual calm. I did not need a psychologist anymore-insomnia would no longer haunt me.

Before I could let my thoughts spiral, sleep took over the moment my head hit the pillow.

However, in the middle of the night, a deafening roar shattered the silence.

Startled, my eyes flew open. Carter's soothing voice quickly followed, "Don't be scared, Chloe." Rain was pouring heavily outside. Through the window, I could barely make out the shadows of trees swaying wildly, their movements eerie under the dim streetlights.

The rain glistened like a shimmering net, falling relentlessly from the sky as if trying to ensnare the world itself.

Half-asleep and hoarse, I murmured, "Carl, was that thunder?" "Yes," he replied softly. "It's pouring outside. Go back to sleep." Another flash of lightning lit up the sky, turning night into day for a fleeting moment.

I instinctively nestled closer to him.

Carter gazed out the window with a pensive expression.

Sensing my stare, he turned back to me, his voice gentle, "It's okay. Rest, I'm here." "Okay." He covered my ears with his hands, muffling the thunder and lightning, creating a cocoon of safety that lulledback to sleep.

Outside, the heavy rain continued to fall, cleansing the world. In the dim yard below, blood trickled slowly, forming small rivulets.

Pregnancy, I had discovered, has its quirks. For me, it had improved my sleep like nothing else. The doctor said it's normal-symptoms vary for everyone.

Apparently, I had developed an unusual fondness for deep, uninterrupted sleep.

As my belly grew larger in these later stages, sleeping at night becmore difficult.

I had gotten used to waking up alone, with him already gone from the bed. The room felt extra cozy now, thanks to the soft carpet layered throughout-it was like stepping on clouds.

Even though my belly had not grown significantly yet, all the sharp corners in the room had been carefully padded.

Non-slip mats lined the bathroom floor, and the shower gel was conveniently placed within arm's reach.

With over eight months left until delivery, he had already prepared for anything.

Smiling, I gently touched my belly. "Babies, your dad is incredibly thoughtful." After getting ready, I opened the door and stepped out. The April air was warming up, a soft breeze carrying the refreshing scent of rain and greenery.

Damian stood nearby. "Good morning, Mrs. Bolton." I glanced at him, remembering how he had let Whitney leave. He looked visibly guilty now, avoiding my eyes.

At the time, I had been furious, repeatedly reminding him to ensure Whitney's safety.

When he failed, I slapped him hard.

Looking back, it was not his fault. He was not defyinghe was following Carl's instructions. I shouldn't have taken my anger out on him.

"I'm sorry, Damian, for hitting you yesterday," I said sincerely.

His face flushed with panic as he waved his hands in denial. "No, no! I failed your orders, so I deserved it. You did nothing wrong, Mrs. Bolton." This silly boy.

His genuine response only madefeel more regretful.

Damian was such a good person-he deserved someone sweet to love. I couldn't let him grow old alone, like Carl. "Breakfast is ready, Mrs. Bolton," Damian said, breaking the moment. "Alright," I replied.

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