Chapter 253: Pure Happiness

As time passed, both Carter and I found ourselves changing. I stopped hiding my feelings, and he became more open with his emotions. Love is not a one-sided transaction; it's about mutual care, learning from each other, and growing together. He loves me deeply, and my past with Luke feels like a thorn in his side. I understand why he feels this way.

I looped my arm around his neck. “Since we keep running into each other, maybe we should move out? Go back to our own place?” The mention of our own home immediately lifted his spirits. His eyes lit up as he said, in a rough voice, “Yes, let’s go home.”

Returning to our yard a few days later, I noticed it had been freshly decorated. Festive preparations for the New Year had intensified, sparking my excitement for the coming year. Gazing at the decorations in the trees, I thought of Grandma.

“What’s on your mind? It’s so cold out here, come inside,” Carter said.

I pulled my gaze away and chuckled softly. “With the New Year almost here, I want to spend it with Grandma, but I’m worried about causing trouble.”

“Now isn’t the right time. Moving Grandma from the hospital would draw too much attention. Let’s wait until next year when things have settled down, then we can all be together,” he said.

He filled my heart with beautiful promises, as if by next year, all our troubles would be resolved. Yet, Anna’s presence looms large, like a mountain over my heart. The forces behind her have been plotting for years; could we really emerge so easily victorious? I am afraid. The cost of winning is always high. I have known the pain of losing family, lovers, and even my own life. I cannot bear to lose anything more. The uncertainty of the future scares me.

Carter saw right through my worries, his gaze warm and reassuring. “Don’t stress over things that haven’t happened yet, Chloe. Trust me, we’ll definitely come out on top!”

“Okay!” I responded, pushing open the front door to a wave of welcoming warmth. The new furniture I had picked out had arrived, and the house was adorned with even more decorations, feeling truly complete. The servants kept everything in perfect order while we were away, and Snowflake was thriving.

As soon as Snowflake spotted me, she abandoned her toy on the cat tree and leaped into my arms within a second, purring loudly. “Meow!” She nuzzled against my cheek, her soft fur lightening the shadows in my heart. Carter closed all the curtains, making the space more intimate. Outside, the world was a blur of falling snowflakes, making our house feel like a secluded haven.

He announced he would cook dinner, and I agreed without hesitation. I watched him move around the kitchen, comforting normalcy in the simple domestic scene, as I settled on the sofa with Snowflake and put on an old movie. Once too busy to keep up with current shows, I now found the time, yet felt disconnected from today’s world. My mind was still caught up in the relentless pace of my past life, though now I was in the body of a young woman. What do young people enjoy these days? What are their favorite shows? They were probably not like me, clinging to the familiar and choosing old movies over anything recent. Yet, this tranquility wasn’t so bad—sitting comfortably with Snowflake purring in my lap felt just right.

In the background, the hum of the coffee machine and the rhythmic chopping from the kitchen filled the air. Watching the sun slowly set and the night begin, I placed Snowflake in her cat bed, then tiptoed to the kitchen to watch the busy man. For the first time, I truly understood what marriage could be. Being loved by someone felt like this—pure happiness.

It was just an ordinary afternoon, yet it soothed all my sorrows. Carter turned and saw me peeking. “It’ll be ready soon; go wash your hands.”

“Okay,” I replied with a slight smile. My task was to set the table while he plated our dinner.

As the old movie wrapped up, its warm, romantic ending theme filled the room. The freshly prepared dishes sent up curls of steam. Life felt wonderfully simple like this. Outside, fireworks began to crackle; this area did not restrict them, making each night lively.

Initially, I dreaded fireworks, but having heard them so often, my fear had faded. Perhaps it was because he was by my side—I was not scared of anything anymore. I even pulled back the curtains to watch the fireworks across the sky.

He came up behind me. “Not scared anymore?”

“With you here, I’m not afraid.”

“The night is still young. Want to visit Grandma at the hospital? It’s almost New Year, and she’s all alone. With the recent events at the Sander residence, I doubt anyone’s looking out for her.”

“Carter, it’s like you can read my mind!”

He chuckled, and as we prepared to leave, he thoughtfully handed me a scarf. “It’s cold out in December. Just hold on a little longer; spring is coming.”

“Yeah.”

We brought New Year gifts to the hospital. Before we reached the entrance, I spotted the Sanders’ car and quickly held back Carter. “Let’s hold off for a bit; I’d rather not bump into any of the Sanders right now.”

“Sure, they typically don’t stay longer than two hours. Mr. Sander tends to linger, but even his visits have shortened recently.”

It was clear Carter had been covertly keeping an eye on Penelope, monitoring the visitation schedules and logs diligently.

“And Anna?”

“She’s dropped by a few times, always briefly, likely just to check on Grandma’s condition.”

“Once Grandma can communicate again, she’ll be a crucial witness against Anna!”

“That day will definitely come.”

As we talked, the Sanders started leaving. From a distance, I could see Kate heatedly arguing with Anna while Josh attempted to calm her down. They were too far to hear clearly, but I could make out from their lips that my name and Ethan’s were mentioned. Ethan’s death had stirred a storm of suspicion and doubt among them. Though there was no direct evidence, Anna’s timely appearances added to the intrigue. Kate has always been direct but lacks subtlety, so it is natural for her to point fingers at Anna. Josh, perhaps protective of the significant fortune at stake with Anna, seems to still be on her side. Reflecting on how they once united against me, it was ironic how things have unfolded.

Eventually, Josh escorted Kate to their car, and the brothers parted ways with Anna. However, Anna stayed behind. Through the tinted windows, I caught a glimpse of her standing in the shadows, her sinister smile chilling as the car drove away.