Chapter 378: Carter, You Big Liar

This meant Amber hadn't lied—she knew this stone, its origin, and its purpose. The fact that Carter had maintained a positive relationship with the Doltons all these years proved they wouldn't harm him.

Thinking back to Amber's expression when she looked at me, I could only reach one conclusion. Her agitation stemmed from the stone potentially harming Carter, explaining her wary gaze and his deception. This might not even be the soul-binding stone he claimed! He was lying.

But where was the other stone? He'd told me to carry mine, but what about his? We were in close contact daily, and I was sure he didn't have it on him. Instinctively, I searched the master bedroom—under the mattress, pillows, anywhere he frequently touched. I searched everywhere, but found nothing. Then, I went to the walk-in closet, meticulously checking his watch box and every corner.

“What are you looking for?” he suddenly appeared behind me. Carter's cunning was unmatched. I didn't dare turn around, fearing he'd see my panic. I casually touched a watch, saying, “I was curious about other styles you might have. I was thinking of buying you one.”

He wrapped his arms around me. “Although I don’t need more watches, I’ll always appreciate one from you.” His kiss brushed my ear, and I pushed him away. “Wait, I still need to wash up.”

“Wash up later, darling. You’re not dirty,” he whispered, soothingly persuasive. But this time, I wasn't swayed. “No, I’m sweaty. Go lie down and wait for me.” I purposely acted spoiled.

Thankfully, he didn’t suspect anything and patted my head. “Hurry up. Otherwise, Zoey and Harlan might blow up the kitchen, and I’ll have to clean it up.” Zoey and Harlan, both rich, spoiled brats, were capable of it.

I chuckled. “Alright, I’ll be quick.”

While he rested, I grabbed the drawings, tore them into pieces, and flushed them down the toilet, leaving no trace. My eyes fell on his laundry basket. I searched his clothes and the bathroom, but found nothing. He'd just come out in his bathrobe; he couldn't have hidden anything on his body. Where was the stone?

The Master's words had initially unsettled me, but seeing Carter unharmed, I'd relaxed. What hadn't he told me? What price would Carter pay to save me? If it was just money, why hide it? His recent odd behavior instilled fear. He'd said I'd have family, friends, and children. But him? He never said he wanted to grow old with me. Every word pushed us further apart. We wouldn't have children, and he wouldn't stay until the end. Was this the price for my second chance?

A sharp pain pierced my heart, tears threatening. No, he was too perceptive. If I cried, he'd suspect something. I bit my finger hard, preventing tears or reddened eyes. He never expected me to uncover his secret. There was still time. Carter, I won't let you die. When the world abandoned me, you brought me back, giving me warmth and hope. How could I let anything happen to you?

I ran my fingers over the stone around my neck. This was the key, wasn't it? If I destroyed it, would Carter's plan fail? The thought was quickly dismissed. It was speculation; I couldn't act blindly. What if the stones were tied to our destinies? If I destroyed them, would I hurt him? Amber knew him well and clearly resented me. I couldn't go to her.

Wait, that old woman! She knew everything, and posed no threat. I had to find a way to visit the small town again—this time without Caner.

Having decided, I finished washing and left the bathroom. Under the dim yellow light, Carter held a book. His skin was pale, his features striking. When focused on his reading, he seemed a noble, unearthly being. But I wanted to bring him down from that pedestal, to make him carry a piece of me.

I leaned on the headboard and kissed him, our breath mixing. This time, I was more passionate than ever, my fingers slipping into his white bathrobe.

“Carter.” “Chloe.” He pulled me onto the bed, rolling on top of me. I'd always been used to turning off the lights, but tonight, I pressed his hand down. “This is fine. I want to see you.”

His gaze was deep and affectionate. “Alright.” Then, his eyes drifted to my neck. “Where’s the stone?”

“I took it off while showering. I don’t want anything between us,” I explained.

He didn’t doubt me. Kissing me, he murmured, “Make sure to put it back on later.” “Okay.”

I searched his body; there was no stone. The bedroom, closet, bathroom—everything had been searched. Could it be in the study? Our love was more intense than before, Carter panting heavily in my ear. “Can I—”

I wrapped my arms around his waist. “Honey, you don’t have to be so gentlemanly in bed.”

“Chloe, you’re going to kill me.” “I don’t want to kill you. I want to grow old with you,” I teased lightly. This honest man wouldn't even give a half-hearted response.

Afterwards, he attempted to lift me up, but I clung to him. “No, what if I get pregnant?”

“Isn’t it the safe period, silly girl?”

“There’s no such thing as an absolutely safe period. Carter, I really want a child with you. Don’t you want one?”

I stared into his eyes; he quickly looked away. “Of course, I want one. I just don’t think it’s the right time to get pregnant.”

His response solidified my thoughts. One of the costs he paid was that we wouldn’t have children. If it was just that, I could accept it. But I feared I might lose him as well. I couldn't show it, so I deliberately nuzzled his neck. “We’ll have children in the future.”

He patted my back. “Yeah, we will.”

Silly man, you’re playing word games again. What you’re really saying is that I’ll fall in love with someone else and have children with them, right? But who else in this world could I possibly love besides you?

Feeling my emotions spiral, I grabbed a bathrobe. “I’m going to wash up. I’ll check on Zoey and Harlan. Make sure they don’t start fighting.”

He didn’t suspect anything. As I closed the door, I collapsed on the floor, tears pouring down. Carter, you big liar!