Loved You Once But He's My Forever (Chloe)
Billionaire Is 140

4/4

Chapter 140 The Tension Builds, The Night Unfolds

Chapter 140 The Tension Builds, The Night Unfolds.

His voice made my heart race.

Carter was no longer maintaining his usual distance. leemed as though he was deliberately trying to close the gap between its.

"Carter, you..."1 bit my lip, unsure of how to respond.

What if he wasn't interested? After all, hadn't everyone said he already had someone special? Was I just reading too much into things? How embarrassing would it be if I was wrong?

It felt as though Carter saw right through my uncertainty, and he offered an explanation. "Zoey, we're married. I've told you before, you don't need to hold back with me. If you want something, just ask. "Okay"

I looked at myself, perched on his lap. Though I had initiated it, it still felt like I was simply playing a part

in the moment.

But now, with him pulling me closer, I felt a sense of discomfort. This wasn't what I expected.

"Zoey, are you planning to divorce me?" he asked, breaking the silence.

"No." I replied quickly. I didn't trust any man enough to think of another relationship. Carter was the best I could have hoped for.

"If we're in this for the long haul, should we continue acting like strangers? Let go of the past, and focus on the here and now."

I finished zipping up my dress and stood, slipping on my heels. The gown fit perfectly, highlighting my long legs, slim waist, and curves. With skin as pale as snow and a slight flush on my cheeks, I looked almost otherworldly in that moment.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I realized that I looked enticing.

Zoey's figure was far more striking than mine ever was

But she'd always kept herself hidden, dressing in dark, exaggerated styles that pushed people away Tonight, however, I feared it would be impossible for anyone not to notice her.

Tonight, Anna and Sadie would be here. How would the night unfold? I couldn't help but feel excited.

As night descended, cars began to line the driveway, arriving one after another.

The grand mansion lit up in brilliant colors, with guests filtering in.

The Sanders had arrived early, and after a few days of rest, Anna seemed to be feeling better.

They greeted me coldly, exchanging pleasantries before swiftly walking away.

1/4

Chapter 140 The Tension Builds, The Night Unfolds.

+5 Free Coins

It wasn't surprising. After all, I had seen Anna at her lowest and exposed the Sanders' weaknesses. It made sense that they hated me. Soon, the Gardners arrived.

Bill seemed a bit calmer today. Perhaps it was because he was visiting the Boltons, but he hadn't brought his mistres

As Philippa stepped out of the car, I walked toward her "Mom, you're here, I greeted her.

Bill took one look at me, clearly surprised..

He was so used to seeing his gloomy daughter dressed in black that he barely recognized me now that I was dressed differently.

"You should've dressed like this earlier. A girl should always look presentable," he said, his voice almost critical.

Philippa shot him a sharp look. "My daughter looks beautiful, no matter what she wears."

Bill didn't respond to her comment. Instead, he mumbled, "Just don't cause a scene later.

Tunderstand. For my daughter's sake, I'll keep up appearances," my mother replied, but her voice lacked, the soft, romantic tone it once held. Perhaps she had long since realized that some men never change. At this point, their marriage seemed to exist only for the sake of their families' interests.

Bill, however, was just beginning to notice that his wife's attention was no longer on him.

As guests passed by, Philippa greeted a few familiar faces before walking away.

I noticed a middle-aged man heading toward her, his gaze locked on her.

They seemed to be hitting it off. I couldn't help but notice the look in his eyes-it was unmistakable.

If my mother could divorce Bill and replace someone who truly appreciated her, she wouldn't have wasted her life.

One thing I had learned in this life was that people were often shackled by obligations, most of which were for the benefit of others. And in the end, they still didn't replace happiness.

So why bother? While we had the chance, we should live for ourselves.

Bill saw my mother smile and, without bothering to scold me, swiftly walked over to wrap his arm around her waist.

What a sight-what a pathetic man. He couldn't even let go of something he didn't want.

Sadie and Ashley had arrived, and I had expected Sadie to wear the dress she had won at the auction last

time.

But maybe she was afraid I would mock her, so she went for a heavy, extravagant red gown.

It was bejeweled and over the top, almost too much for the occasion.

9/4

08:19 Tue, Dec 10

Chapter 140 The Tension Builds, The Night Unfolds.

She entered the room like a princess from a forgotten era, her presence almost too grandiose. Meanwhile, I wore a simple gown, my hair styled with elegance, and jewelry given to me by Jeffrey.

The translucent gems sparkled against my fair skin, giving me an ethereal appearance.

When Ashley saw me, his eyes widened in admiration, even more so than when we had met at the auction.

Sadie, on the other hand, seemed a little jealous. Despite her best efforts, she was still overshadowed by

We exchanged pleasantries before parting ways. As I turned to head back inside, I saw a man standing in the corridor, smoking.

I didn't glance at him, but I heard his voice. "Zory."

I paused, turning to face Ashley, who was leaning against the wall. "What is it, Mr. Hudson?"

"Must you be so distant? I know you're angry with me for betraying you, but Zoey, you can't let your bitterness ruin your future." Yod betrayed me, and now you're lecturing me?"

I couldn't believe his nerve. Did he really think I would listen to him? Did he think the world revolved around him?

He had once enjoyed Zoey's devotion, and now that she was married, he had the audacity to lecture her on what was right.

He never once acknowledged that his actions had caused all the chaos in Zoey's life.

cy, I'm doing this for your own good."

I took a step closer, curious about what he would say next.

I forced a smile, keeping my composure. "Ashley, how exactly are you trying to help me?"

He seemed momentarily stunned by my smile, licking his lips. "Zoey, have you... been with that cripple?"

"Been with him? What do you mean?" I pretended to misunderstand.

"Have you shared a room with him?"

"No, Mr. Bolton and I aren't close like that. He has someone he likes, and he's never touched me."

As soon as I spoke, Ashley's eyes lit up with interest.

He stared at me greedily before stepping closer. "Zoey, the truth is, I've always liked you. Sadie threatened me, you know, because your father prefers her. When my family's finances were in trouble, she was the only one who could help me, so I- "Ashley, so that's what this is about. Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

1 feigned surprise, knowing all too well that this was all just a self-indulgent act.

3/4

Chapter 140 The Tension Builds, The Night Unfolds

"Sorry, Zoey" He said, stepping forward in though to brace in

I immediately took a step back. To married now. Please don't

"Zoey, the one I love is you. After all these years, do you really intend to stay with that cripple?

I acted shocked. "Ashley, what do you mean by that

"Zoey, tonight I want you. Will yo