Chapter 380: I Knew You Would Come

After returning to the room, I told Carter about the situation. He was quiet for a moment before saying, “Chloe, we just got back a few days ago, didn’t we? I’m not trying to control you, but wouldn’t it be better to wait until your mother-in-law is about to give birth to visit?”

“I told Zoey the same thing, but she and Harlan had an argument. She doesn’t want to see him. You know she doesn’t have many friends, and she’s so dependent on me. I couldn’t say no.”

“But…” Carter frowned, clearly worried about my leaving.

“Zoey has already informed Dad. We’re taking a private plane, and he’ll pick us up at the airport to take us directly to the town. We won’t be seeing anyone else, so you don’t need to worry.”

Carter still seemed hesitant but asked, “How long will you be gone?”

“Two or three days. I don’t have anything important to do in Jaford, and I can’t really help you with anything, so you can think of it as a little getaway for me.”

Carter pulled me into his arms and said, “I’ll miss you while you’re gone.”

“Then just think, it’s not even a hundred hours until we see each other again.”

Carter smiled gently. “Alright, I’ll talk to Bill about the safety arrangements. I’ll take you to the airport tomorrow.”

“You’re the best, hubby.”

“You really know how to get to me.” Carter’s eyes were filled with affection. “You better come back soon.”

“Mm.”

Once I saw he didn’t suspect anything, I let out a sigh of relief. Lying to Carter was incredibly difficult—he could detect even the slightest change in my expression, and any slip-up could ruin my plan.

I wasn’t sure if it was because I was leaving the next day, but Carter had trouble falling asleep. Over the past few months, we had hardly been apart, except when I was staying at my mom’s place. He wasn’t used to it, and honestly, neither was I. But to find the truth, I had no choice but to leave.

The next morning, Harlan, clearly unaware of what was going on, went to work after arguing with Zoey. Carter quickly drove us to the airport. At the drop-off point, he ignored Zoey standing nearby and pulled me close, kissing me fiercely.

“Let me know when you take off and when you land.”

“Okay.”

“Remember to eat on time.”

“Okay.”

“Don’t stay up too late.”

“Okay.”

“Think of me.”

Zoey interrupted, “Come on, we’re only gone for a few days. Do you have to make it seem like we’re never coming back? I’m about to cry over here.”

Carter was reserved, and his emotions rarely showed. Only I could understand how he felt. If I was right, one day we would have to part, and that’s when he would cherish every second we had together. To him, it felt like life and death. I gently stroked his face and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. You take care of yourself too.”

“Mm.”

It wasn’t until Zoey and I disappeared through the gate that Carter’s car finally drove away.

Zoey then spoke. “Alright, tell me what’s really going on. Why are you avoiding him?”

“I’ll explain when we get there.”

“Fine.”

Zoey had chosen her own path and, unexpectedly, had been reborn. For her, life wasn’t something she valued as much, even though we both shared the experience of being reborn. She couldn’t fully understand.

After passing through security, I couldn’t help but send him a message. “Carter, it’s only been ten minutes since we’ve parted, but I already miss you.”

He replied almost immediately. “Me too.”

Zoey covered her head, clearly unable to handle our affectionate messages, and quickly boarded the plane. Just before I switched my phone to flight mode, Harlan called.

“I had breakfast sent to you. Where are you? Not at the estate?”

Zoey replied indifferently, “At the airport.”

“Janice, where are you going?”

“On vacation. I’m turning off my phone now, talk later.”

Before hanging up, I heard Harlan yelling. I felt a little guilty. “Sorry about that.”

“Hey, why are you apologizing? I get annoyed just looking at his face.” Zoey casually switched her phone to flight mode.

Watching her carefree attitude, I thought that if Harlan really fell for her, winning her over wouldn’t be easy.

After a few hours of flying, we finally landed at the airport. Bill was already waiting.

“Hey, Dad.”

This time, Zoey was much more relaxed. Bill smiled and patted her head. “Everything okay on the way?”

“Yeah, just a little tired.”

“Do you want to do a spa or something to relax?”

“No, I just want to see Mom as soon as possible.”

Bill was holding several shopping bags, clearly having done a big shopping run. We took a helicopter to the peaceful little town.

Once we were alone, I explained everything to Zoey. She listened, stunned.

“So, Chloe, are you really going to ask the old woman for answers?”

“I won’t be at ease until I know. You have to keep this secret, especially from Mom and Dad.”

Though I trusted Bill not to betray us, I had a feeling that the fewer people who knew, the better.

“Okay.”

Zoey greeted her mom, and then, using the excuse of picking lotus seeds, she went with me to the lotus pond we had visited last time. I clearly remembered the wooden bridge next to the pond, and just across the bridge was the small house where the old woman lived.

I ran quickly, my footsteps echoing on the wooden bridge.

“Slow down, Chloe, you’ll trip.”

How could I slow down? My mind had been consumed with thoughts of the Soulstone for the entire day and night.

When I crossed the bridge, I noticed a huge cherry blossom tree in the yard. Too bad it was past blooming season, but if it had been in full bloom, it must have been stunning. Especially when the wind blew, the area would have been covered with a sea of pink petals. Some wooden plaques with wind chimes hung from the branches, looking like a wishing tree in a park. The wind made the chimes sing a soft, lovely tune.

I looked around but couldn’t see the old woman. Just as I was about to knock on the door, I heard the sound of an ocarina coming from behind the house. Birds were returning to their nests, and the sound of the instrument mixed with the birdsong, creating a beautiful scene, serene and breathtaking.

I slowed my pace and saw the silver-haired old woman sitting on a viewing platform, playing the instrument. Her silver hair danced in the wind, and her slender figure, though aged, still carried an elegant aura. It was clear that, in her youth, she must have been extraordinarily beautiful, and even now, she had a commanding presence.

“Sorry to bother you, ma’am.”

She turned to look at me, her eyes showing no surprise.

“I knew you would come again.”

As expected, she knew everything. The old lady was different from Amber, who harbored ill intentions. She had only wanted to warn me the first time we met. I had a strong feeling that she could help me.

I took the stone from my pocket and asked, “Could you please help me understand what this stone really is?”