Chapter 265: Wedding Night

This must be what they call “love at first sight,” or perhaps its opposite—an instant dislike for no apparent reason. He belonged to the latter category. There was a certain frivolousness in the way he looked at people.

Just as I was about to avert my gaze, he started walking directly toward me. Holding a glass of red wine, I maintained a composed expression.

“You must be Mrs. Bolton?” His voice carried a teasing warmth.

I nodded. “And you are?”

“Taylor. You’re stunning—you remind me of someone I used to know.”

“Someone you used to know? I’ve heard people say I resemble the late Ms. Sander. Could she be who you’re referring to?”

“Exactly. I met Ms. Sander years ago at a banquet. Her passing was truly unfortunate.”

I had no impression of him and wasn’t sure why he brought up my past. “Mr. Carlyn, today is Ms. Anna’s wedding celebration. Let’s not dwell on sad topics. My husband has arrived, so I’ll excuse myself.”

“Of course.”

Even as I walked away, I could still feel his gaze lingering on me. Carter, surrounded by a crowd, looked distinctly out of place. Knowing how much he disliked such gatherings, I went over to rescue him.

He leaned in, lowering his voice, “What did Taylor say to you?”

“Not much. Just mentioned I resemble Chloe.”

“Stay away from him.”

Carter rarely issued such warnings. If Taylor had managed to put him on alert, I wasn’t about to take any chances. I nodded in agreement.

The next moment, I noticed Taylor heading toward Jake. So, they were friends. No wonder he was here. Seeing him reminded me of the woman he had taken away. I couldn’t help but wonder, “Is she now locked away in some dark, suffocating room?” I glanced up at the top floor, my thoughts drifting to Kate. “What could her situation be like now?”

Carter gently tugged my hand. “Let’s head back. Nothing’s going to happen tonight.”

“Alright.”

The real show was set for tomorrow.

That night, sleep eluded me. I sat blankly, staring at the streetlights outside.

“What are you thinking about?” Carter rolled his wheelchair to my side.

“It didn’t snow today. Feels unusual.”

“It’s not the snow you miss—it’s the memories. You’re thinking about the night before your wedding, aren’t you?”

He knew me so well. I placed my hand over my still-flat stomach. “Yes, that night was excruciating. I wanted to expose Luke and Anna’s affair at the wedding, but I was terrified of the consequences. I knew if I did, I’d become the enemy of both the Sanders and the Boltons. I’d have no home left—just like that unborn child of mine. I didn’t sleep at all that night.”

From my wedding night to Anna’s, barely two months had passed, yet so much had changed. My entire world had been turned upside down.

Carter’s face was filled with pain as he looked at me. “Chloe, it’s all behind you now. Joy not making it into this world might have been a blessing in disguise.”

I gave a bitter smile. “You’re right. Even if I hadn’t miscarried back then, he wouldn’t have survived. In that chaotic time, it was better this way. At least he hadn’t fully formed.”

“Don’t dwell on it. We’ll have children one day. How about we name our first child Joy?”

I pressed the button to close the electric curtains. As they slid shut behind him, I leaned into his neck, tears spilling down my cheeks.

“Carter…”

“Don’t cry. Don’t blame yourself. It wasn’t your fault you couldn’t protect him. The fault lies with those monsters.”

Carter patiently wiped away my tears. “Everything will get better. Joy knows how much you love him. He’ll choose you to be his mother again. This time, he won’t leave this world alone. We’ll shower him with love, and he’ll live a life of peace and happiness.”

Even though I knew he was just comforting me, his words warmed my heart. Carter was truly so gentle. I leaned close to his ear and whispered, “Carter… tonight, make me yours completely.”