Chapter 313: Time Is Cruel

This was my only response. He was so observant. I had once mentioned that when I was angry, the wind would stir. He remembered. He knew the wind was the one thing I could control. He had stored every word I’d said, even those that seemed unimportant at the time. Now, he was using that same attentiveness to determine if I was still here. How much must this be hurting him?

The room was consumed by darkness. I could feel the shivers on Luke and Damian’s arms. It made sense. If I were in their place, even if the deceased were someone close to me, it wouldn’t ease the fear in my heart. In the suffocating dark, they couldn’t see the eyes that were watching.

Luke’s voice was shaky. “Chloe, you really are here.”

Damian switched on the lights. As the room brightened, I saw Carter’s eyes—red, bloodshot. He hadn’t shed a tear, but his eyes told another story. It reminded me of the first time I took over Zoey’s body. I had opened the bedroom door to find Carter collapsed among a heap of empty bottles. He had crawled toward me, his eyes raw from crying. Back then, he had just found out I was dead. But today, he knew I was still alive.

We were inches apart, yet it felt like miles away. He extended his hand slowly. I bent down, placing my hand gently over his. He couldn’t see me, but I knew he’d understand. His voice was rough. “Chloe, I know you’re here.”

“I’m here, Carter.”

He curled his fingers, trying to hold mine as he had before. He probably sensed my movement, and with his other hand, he reached out, feeling for me. But he wasn’t sure, so his hand landed on my shoulder instead. His voice softened. “Chloe, don’t be afraid. I’m here. I’ll bring you back.”

I pressed my lips together, the sorrow in my chest overwhelming. This sweet, foolish man. Even now, he was comforting me, telling me not to fear.

“Okay, I’m not afraid,” I whispered, though I knew he couldn’t hear me. Still, I wanted to say it.

Carter’s eyes were red, yet his voice remained soft. “So, will you stay with me this time?”

I nodded, my head moving up and down quickly. “Yes, I’ll stay with you. I’m not going anywhere.”

Luke watched Carter, understanding that, in this situation, he had already lost. It had happened before. While Luke had been distracted with Anna, Carter had been the one to confirm his suspicions and then, without hesitation, comfort me. He knew that I was more frightened than the two of them combined. I had once explained what it felt like to be a spirit, and Carter understood me. Despite his own fears, he still focused on soothing me. He even worried I might run off with Luke, and the thought made me want to both laugh and cry. He was so nice to me. If I were to perish, I would want to be by his side.

Carter, having made up his mind, spoke to Luke. “If you’re all right, you can leave. I’ll stay here with her.”

Luke paused, then added, “Uncle, I just remembered something.”

“What is it?”

“When Chloe was tied to me, Anna and I saw her under strange circumstances. On a stormy night, Anna saw Chloe standing at the foot of the bed. And when I was really weak, I saw her too.”

Carter’s expression changed at this.

“Penelope!” he exclaimed.

“That’s right. Grandma had been on the edge of death. She hadn’t only been able to see me, but she could also hear my voice.” I had told Carter all about it.

Carter turned to Damian. “Get more bodyguards. Make sure my wife’s body is well protected.”

“Got it, sir. You don’t need to worry. I’ll keep an eye on her.”

“Prepare the car. I’m leaving.”

Carter wanted to take me to Grandma. Since Luke didn’t want to return to the Boltons, he chose to go with him. On the outside, Carter seemed composed, but inside, he was just as anxious. He carried a candle with him, and every ten minutes, he asked, “Chloe, are you there?” The candle flickered out, and for a brief moment, his expression softened. How afraid was he that I wouldn’t follow him? Such a careful man. I thought back to when I told him that I adored only him. But after everything… I wanted to say more. Carter, I love you. I was afraid I’d never get the chance.

Now I understood why Silas had left that final message before ending his life. He didn’t want to have regrets, especially with Anna. I had always thought that once I was in Zoey’s body, my spirit would never leave again. My mind had been focused on revenge and finding the truth. I selfishly accepted all of Carter’s kindness. I believed we had so much time ahead of us. At 20, there were still years to build something with him. Even though I could feel my feelings for him growing stronger every day, I thought that, because we hadn’t been together long, it was too soon and too risky to say I loved him. But life was unpredictable. If I had known what would happen, I would have held him close and told him everything. I love him. I truly love him! Now, even the chance to confess seemed out of reach. He was so focused on comforting me. How terrified he must be.

I’m sorry, Carter.

The car had been driving for what felt like hours. I knew he had hidden Grandma well, but I didn’t expect her to be kept so secret. It was well past 11, and birds flew across the mountain roads. In the moonlight, the snow swirled, ghostly white. The distant forest loomed like a giant, unseen creature, its claws outstretched, waiting.

Luke helped Carter out of the car. The bodyguards near the mansion gates only let them pass once they recognized Carter. Here, a team of professionals ensured Grandma’s care and recovery. She was already asleep when they arrived, but Carter didn’t let that stop him.

Mrs. Lambert, in a robe and rubbing her eyes, looked confused. “Mr. Bolton, what are you doing here?”

“I need to see Penelope.”

Seeing their urgency, Mrs. Lambert ushered them inside. As soon as I stepped into Grandma’s room, I could see how well Carter had taken care of her. The room was warm and cozy, exactly as I imagined it would be. I had wanted to see her for days, but I had feared revealing her location and putting her in danger. So I waited.

I rushed to her bedside.

“Grandma, I’m back!”