Chapter 360: You Make Me Lose Control

I looked at him and grumbled, "It hurts! It really hurts!"

He pulled me close, apologizing, his voice full of concern. "I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

I shook my head, gently touching his face. "No, Carter, you don't have to endure this for my sake. Last night, I realized you've always been so accommodating to me. We're married, we're one. You don't need to think of me all the time. I love you, and I want to see you happy, too."

"Chloe," he swallowed, his eyes flickering with something deep and unreadable.

I blushed and leaned forward to kiss his throat, then whispered softly in his ear, "Actually, last night, I felt really good, too."

Carter lowered his head and kissed me deeply.

Just as things were heating up again, I quickly pushed him away. "I don't mind, but I can't handle it every day. If it's not too often, I think I can manage."

"Chloe, are you trying to kill me?" His eyes glistened with tenderness.

I snuggled closer and asked, "Baby, are you still mad at me?"

"How could I stay mad at you? Lie down and relax; I'll apply the medicine. Don't worry, I won't do anything."

Applying the medicine was exhausting, not because it hurt too much, but because my body was too sensitive from the night before. We both tried to restrain ourselves, finding it difficult.

"I always thought I had enough self-control," he said, his voice soft but full of emotion. "But when I met you, I realized you're the only thing I've ever lost control over. Chloe, I love you."

I had always known how deep his love ran, but each time he said it, my heart still fluttered. This must be the purest form of love—the kind that can clear away any shadows.

"Carter, I love you too."

He kissed my forehead gently and said, "Rest for a while. I have to head to the office. If I stay, I won't be able to leave."

"Okay, I'll wait for you to come back and pick me up."

With him loving and pampering me, even in a strange home, as long as I could feel his presence, I felt safe. Carter, thank you for your love.

There was a time when I thought I was the most unlucky person in the world, but with him, I felt incredibly fortunate. And I didn’t even understand why he loved me so much.

I touched the stone near my chest, feeling as though my heart was completely filled with him. I soon fell into a deep sleep. Since I started wearing this stone, I hadn't had a nightmare in a long time. Every time I touched it, a sense of peace washed over me, as if Carter was by my side.

I slept soundly, and Zoey didn't come to disturb me. When I woke up, it was already dark outside. Carter was working at his desk, engrossed in his work. He lowered the lamp to its dimmest setting, not wanting to disturb me.

I climbed out of bed and hugged him from behind. "Why didn't you wake me?"

He effortlessly pulled me onto his lap and said, "You were sleeping so soundly, I couldn't bear to wake you. Don't worry; I've rescheduled the flight for tomorrow morning."

"Why are you so good to me, honey?" When we were in bed, he’d make me call him honey, but now, out of bed, he’d blush just hearing it.

"Are you hungry? I kept your food warm for you."

"I want you to feed me, honey," I teased him. He sighed helplessly as he tapped my nose.

"Alright, my precious."

I realized that, before, we had both been a little restrained. After last night, it felt like our relationship had deepened even more, so much that it was almost becoming too sweet to handle.

He had just left when Zoey poked her head into the room. "Chloe, are you feeling better?"

"Much better."

"Seriously, Carter is so good to you. He brought back a ton of food after work, even made soup himself, and changed his flight just so you could rest without being disturbed. How have you two gotten so close in just a few months?"

I smiled faintly and said, "It's been more than just a few months; it's been twenty years. That idiot has loved me for so long."

"Ah. I see. Seeing you so happy now makes me happy for you."

"What about you? Do you like Harlan?"

Zoey rolled her eyes so hard I thought they would turn to the back of her head. "That arrogant guy? I wouldn't take him even if he was giving himself away for free. I'm just waiting for him to sign the divorce papers. I want to be single and fabulous! Stay away from scum if you want to live a good life."

"If you met someone like Carter, though, I might reconsider. I'm telling you, sister, you'd be happy."

"Please, you think your man is an easy find? So easy for you to pick up? You're lucky to have him. Good men like him are practically impossible to find."

"There was a time when Luke and I were together for many years. I used to think he was my true love. Now, looking back, that relationship seems so foolish. Zoey, don't give up on love just because of one wrong man. When the time comes, you'll meet someone who truly cherishes you. Of course, if you prefer being single, I support that too! Whatever you choose, we'll always be sisters, and I'll support your choices."

"Chloe, you're so amazing. Let's sleep together tonight."

"No way, she recognizes faces," Carter entered with a food tray. "If you sleep with her, she won't be able to fall asleep."

"Right, I almost forgot."

Carter sat beside the bed and began feeding me. Zoey looked at us, bewildered. "Is this how you two are at home?"

"No, I chew it up and feed it to her."

"Really?"

"Of course, he's kidding," I burst into laughter. It was too funny to see him say it so seriously.

"Alright, Carter, you go ahead and work. I can eat by myself." With others around, I didn't cling to him as much.

Zoey watched him leave and said, "How nice, this cheesy love of you two. Why haven't I met a decent man like him?"

"You will," I assured her.

"Let's hope so. I thought being single was fine, but seeing you two, now I kind of want to be in a relationship, too. Once I get back, I'll divorce him and find my true love!"

"Good luck."

The next morning, we went to the airport to fly to the place where my mom lived. The small town didn't have an airport, so we had to take a two-hour drive after leaving the terminal to get there. Zoey grabbed my hand tightly, her palm sweaty. "Please, don't say it was me."

"Don't worry."

The car soon arrived at the farm. Under the blue sky and white clouds, the lush grass was dotted with fluffy white sheep. I saw her right away—the woman sketching in the grass. Zoey froze, murmuring, "M-Mom…"