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

Oh, for heaven's sake! With friends like these, who needs enemies?

The two worst baby-name pickers had joined forces, and they'd actually decided-Rocky for the boy, Susie for the girl.

Could they at least consult the parents before making these executive decisions?

Not that Carter seemed to care. Of course, he didn't-he hadn't even looked at the babies yet. How could he possibly care about their names?

"Let me see them," he rasped, his voice hoarse.

Zoey scoffed. "See them? Weren't you the one who said to take them away, that just looking at them

made you sick? Do you even remember they're your children? Chloe gave her life to bring them into this world, and you refuse to so much as glance at them, let alone hold them!"

Her voice trembled as she spoke, "If you don't want them, fine. I'll raise them myself."

Carter's expression darkened. "When did I say I didn't want them?"

The words "don't want" caused Rocky, who was snuggled in Zoey's arms, to suddenly burst into tears. Zoey quickly reassured him, her tone softening. "No, no, sweetie. Daddy wants you. How could Daddy not want you?"

With a glare, she all but shoved the baby into Carter's arms. "Be careful with him!"

Carter hesitated for a moment, then gingerly took the tiny boy into his arms. Rocky looked just like him— every feature was a perfect match.

During the ultrasound, we had only seen a rough outline. But now, I could see him clearly.

Some newborns came out all wrinkled, like little old men.

But Rocky's skin was smooth, soft, and free of jaundice. His eyes were open. Newborns weren't supposed to be able to see very far, but he stared straight at Carter as if sensing something familiar in his

scent.

And just like that he stopped crying. That mysterious, unspoken bond between father and son.

Carter's expression wavered. Lowering his head slightly, he murmured, "Chloe, do you see him? This is our son."

Zoey and Yael both froze. Then, simultaneously, they whipped their heads toward my direction. "Chloe's here?!"

Carter ignored their shock. He focused only on the baby, his voice quiet and full of reverence. "This is your mother-the one who gave her life to bring you into this world."

The baby's gaze shifted. He was staring at me. Could he really see me? I leaned closer, reaching out to gently tap his cheek. "Baby, do you remember my voice? Mommy used to talk to you all the time when you were in my belly."

I hadn't expected a response. But then-Rocky smiled at me.

I gasped, turning to Carter in excitement. "Carl! He can see me!"

Carter reached out, brushing a hand over my hair. "Of course he can," he said softly. "You're his mother."

Joy surged through me. I dashed over to Yael. "Let me see Susie !"

Yael, oblivious to my words, only saw Carter staring at him with an eerily intense gaze.

To be fair, Carter did look terrifying his white shirt was still stained with blood, his fever-ridden eyes were

bloodshot, and with the mask covering half his face, his aura was downright menacing.noveldrama

Yael visibly shrank. "Uh... if you've got something to say, say it. Don't just stare at me. I'm getting kinda scared.

Carter, as my personal spokesperson, said coolly, "She wants to see the baby."

Yael blinked. "Chloe? Chloe's here?"

He waved his hand blindly through the air. Carter's voice turned sharp. "Don't touch her."

Yael pouted. "Geez, so stingy. Can't even let me touch the air?"

Carter snorted. "Put the baby on the bed."

Without further argument, Yael did as he was told. Carter gently placed Rocky beside his sister as well.

I studied them both, my heart swelling. They were the perfect blend of me and Carter.

"Look at them, Carl," I said, beaming. "They look just like us."

He hummed in agreement, though his smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

I didn't know how much longer I'd be able to stay like this. But I wanted to leave behind as many beautiful memories as I could.

To make sure there was as little regret as possible.

"Carl, name them properly. We can't actually call them Rocky and Susie forever."

He didn't even hesitate. "Everett and Everly."

The longing in his tone was unmistakable.

He wanted us to be

together always. I had spent weeks agonizing over names, flipping through dictionaries until my eyes blurred. And in the end, none of these names mattered.

"Our babies aren't identical twins," I reminded him. "Everly was born first. Everett came after. So let's

name him Everett. And Everly... She'll keep her name."

Carter's eyes softened. "Whatever you decide."

I playfully tapped my son's nose. "You're Everett now, okay? You're the big brother-you have to protect your little sister."

Everett giggled again, melting my heart. "You're nothing like your father," I teased. "So smiley."

Everly, clearly feeling left out, suddenly let out a loud wail.

I turned to her, gently stroking her cheek. "Everly, don't cry. Mommy's here."

The moment I spoke, she stopped crying and smiled at me.

My heart nearly burst. I was so grateful to have seen this.

They had been born premature, but they were strong. They hadn't even needed to stay in the incubator.

Meanwhile, Carter looked like he could collapse at any moment.

I played with my babies for a while, but Carter's gaze never left me. His expression was unreadable—a strange mix of happiness and sorrow.

Zoey wiped her eyes. "Chloe ... The fate is cruel. Why is it always you who suffers?"

I shook my head. "I can still see my babies. That's already a blessing."

Tears welled in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Chloe. I

to pick ever should've asked you

to pick me up from the airport that day. If it weren't for me, none of this would've happened."

Her words reminded me of someone. "Carl, what happened to Sergio?"

"He was injured. Taken away."

Considering his background, that madwoman wouldn't let him die so easily.

I looked at Carter. "These past days... Have they been unbearable?"

He brushed a hand over my cheek. "Chloe, as long as I can see you, nothing is unbearable. Even if it's

only as a spirit, I hope you stay as long as you can."

Neither of us knew what fate had in

store. I hugged him tightly, nodding. "Fine. But you have to promise me-you take care of yourself. No more reckless stunts just to see me. I won't leave you. No matter what form I take, I'll always stay by your side."

"Let's wait until tomorrow. Just let me look at you a little longer."

How could I refuse him? My heart ached, but I whispered, "Sure."

Carter ruffled my hair gently. "Good girl. My Chloe."

At that moment, the door swung open.

Harlan stepped in, only to freeze at the sight of Carter talking to thin air. From his perspective, Carter was

stroking nothing and murmuring to no one.

Harlan's face paled. "He's finally lost his mind."