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

This is the first New Year for our family of four.

The moment felt surreal, like living in a dream. Watching my two beautiful babies lying in bed, I could feel their warmth and smell their faint milky scent. They giggled as I got closer.

Everything seemed to be falling into place.

Carter's hand rested on my shoulder. "What are you thinking about?"

I snapped out of my reverie and looked up at the man beside me so tall and gentle. Wrapping my arms

around his waist and leaning my head against him, I smiled faintly.

"Carl, it feels like a dream. I'm really back."

Having been a spirit for months, it felt strange to be in a physical body again.

Carter sat on the bedside, pinched my waist, and pulled me into his lap, smiling gently. "Do you need proof that you're alive?"

The next moment, his lips met mine, and he murmured, "Chloe, you're alive, and that's all that matters." Since my spirit form and through pregnancy, we'd been apart for over six months. His kiss was tender, making me feel like a fragile gem in his eyes.

I knew he was terrified the day I gave birth-seeing me so weak, lying in a pool of blood, on the brink of death. After months in bed, he was afraid of hurting me, even when kissing me, always so gentle. "Carl..."

Clinging to his neck, I felt a surge of emotions. My desire for him was not just physical; it was a deep- seated affection and longing. I wanted to make up for the lost days and all the fear and worry.

"Chloe."

As our eyes met, I wrapped my arms around his waist. Just as his kiss was about to land, we heard a cry. "Boo hoo..."

Neither of us had fully adapted to having two little babies yet, and I instinctively pushed him away. Carter stood up straight as if he'd been caught doing something wrong, coughing lightly into his clenched fist.

Feeling guilty, I glanced at the children. Everett looked at me with big, bright eyes resembling Carter's, except for his eyes, which were like mine-pure and crystalline. When he saw me looking, he smiled, melting my heart.

Meanwhile, Everly's eyes were moist, and her long lashes still glistened with tears. I couldn't help but wonder if she would find someone who would cherish her as she deserved in the future.

"Everly must be hungry. I'll make her some formula."

Carter gently pushed me back down. "Your legs need rest for a couple of days. I'll handle it."

He was already adept at making formula for the babies.

As I held Everly, I tapped her nose lightly. "Sorry, sweetie, you've never had mommy's milk."

Everly stopped crying and blinked curiously at me, perhaps wondering why I looked the same but somehow different.

Suddenly, her mouth turned down, her brows furrowed, and I felt a warm sensation in my hand. A foul smell followed.

"Uh, Carl..."

Feeling helpless, I called out. I had seen them change the babies' diapers, but I was still a novice mom. Carter rushed over with the bottle. "What is it, Chloe?"

"She had a dirty diaper."

Seeing my flustered face, he chuckled. "No worries, let me handle it."

"Teach me how."

I carefully placed Everly on the bed, and Carter efficiently cleaned her up. It was hard to believe this man, who seemed so unattainable, was now calmly changing diapers without missing a beat.

"You don't need to learn these things. We have nannies. After that difficult birth, you almost died. It's only been a few months; your body is still weak. You need time to recover. Don't stress over the children.

"Hold them, play with them when you wish. We have four nannies working round the clock, and we can hire more if needed. Your health is the priority."

He spoke as he finished changing Everly's diaper.

When I held her again and fed her for the first time, the experience was new and different from watching as a spirit.noveldrama

"Carl, she's drinking so fast."

"She's hungry."

Just then, Damian's voice came from outside. "Mr. Carter, Mrs. Chloe, Mr. Luke is here."

During my time as a spirit, I rarely saw him. He had been preoccupied with treatments and company matters. His appearances were few, and he always looked unwell. Alisa's miscarriage hadn't seemed to affect him much.

Seeing his gaunt figure approach the door, I remembered the oath he once swore before God, vowing that if he broke it, he would remain

childless. It seemed to be comal no

true, though he didn't seem to care.

He looked at me and quietly called, "Chloe."

But when Carter glanced at him, he corrected himself, "Uncle Carter, Aunt Chloe."

I acknowledged him with a nod.

Luke walked closer, looking at Everett, who had been momentarily ignored. "Can I hold him?" Carter nodded.

Luke carefully picked up Everett, gazing at him with such intensity, touching his cheek gently. Everett curiously stared back, not minding the touch.

I saw Luke's eyes redden and tears form. He quickly placed Everett back down, wiping his tears hastily. "Sorry, I just... thought of something.

"If Joy had lived, he would be a big brother by now...

"

I interrupted coldly, "Joy wouldn't have made it to birth. If it had come to that, I'd rather he had been miscarried than endure worse."

With Wisteria's twisted mind, who knew what awful fate would have awaited to the unborn child.

Luke smiled bitterly. "Yes, I'm sorry, Chloe."

I imagined he deeply regretted past actions, yet the world doesn't offer second chances.

He pulled out two jade Vitality Amulets. "As an older cousin, this is my gift. I hope Everett and Everly grow

up safe and healthy."