Chapter 383: Leave No Regrets

Zoey and I walked away, the sound of the ocarina drifting behind us like a soft, wistful goodbye. She glanced at me, her curiosity evident. “What did you tell her when you ran back?”

“Just thanked her.”

“Chloe,” Zoey pressed, “we’re still best friends, right? You’re hiding something, aren’t you? You figured it out, didn’t you? Who is she?”

I stared at the sunset, the colors fading beyond the horizon. “It doesn’t matter now.”

I’d ruined Carter’s plan, but as long as he was safe, I could finally breathe easier. Nicholas was waiting for us at the corner. Bill, apron on, was setting the table, a feast spread before him. Mom, hands on her belly, stood up slowly. “You’re back!”

Zoey and I rushed to help her, one on each side. “Take it easy,” I told her.

“You two are back already? I thought you’d be gone longer. Did someone give you trouble out there?” Mom asked with a teasing smile.

Once Zoey had greeted Mom, there was no need for pretense. She leaned in and gave her a soft nuzzle, her smile bright. “No, I just missed you.”

Mom patted Zoey’s head gently. “I’m not worried about Carter and Chloe. Carter clearly dotes on her. But your father still has connections in Jaford. If things get bad, he can step in and help you get a divorce. I don’t want you suffering anymore.”

“Thanks, Mom. He can’t hurt me. I’m just staying in Jaford for a while, hanging out. I want to spend time with you, especially before Chloe heads back home.”

“As long as no one’s bothering you. Let’s eat,” Mom said, taking one of my hands and one of Zoey’s.

The dinner was full of laughter. Zoey’s smile never faded.

Later that night, we lay side-by-side in bed. My thoughts were still with Carter. Even though I’d just said goodnight to him on video, my heart remained heavy with worry.

“Chloe, what’s your biggest regret?” Zoey asked, breaking the silence.

I gazed up at the stars, my voice calm. “I used to think my greatest regret would be not avenging the people who hurt me. But with Silas, Sheila, and the others gone, I see it differently now. Instead of focusing on revenge, I want to cherish those I still have. My biggest regret is not being able to grow old with him.”

Zoey put her hands behind her head, staring up at the ceiling. “I don’t have your grudges, and I don’t have anyone I love. I used to just live one day at a time, but now that I know how things will turn out, I’ve changed my mind.”

“How so?”

“I want a passionate, exciting love story.”

“I’m all for it.”

Zoey’s face lit up with a grin. “When I get back, I’m divorcing Harlan and hitting up a nightclub to meet some cute guys.”

I stared at her, stunned. “Are you serious?”

“Think about it,” she said. “We don’t have the luxury of time. So, why not make the most of it? And besides, loving one person is exhausting. I’m going to love ten.”

“I… guess you have a point?”

Zoey seemed to picture it and grinned. “When the time comes, I won’t care if they’re cute or hunky. I’ll switch them out every day!”

“What about Harlan?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Zoey shook her head. “Not my type. Plus, look at our bodies! We don’t even need birth control—we’re basically foolproof!”

“Zoey, take it easy. You could end up with something you don’t want.”

She shrugged confidently. “Don’t worry. I’ll find someone clean. And besides, it’s my first time. I’m not settling for less than good looks, a nice body, and great skills. I want it to be a big bang!”

When Zoey latched onto an idea, she was all in. She leaned in close. “So, tell me. Can Carter really go seven times in a single night? I thought that was fiction.”

I felt my face flush. “Why don’t you try and see for yourself?”

“I’m not a guy,” Zoey said, smirking. “I’ve read that a lot of men only last thirty seconds. Most guys don’t even last a few minutes.”

She rolled her eyes. “What can you even do in a few minutes?”

“Okay, let’s change the subject,” I said, turning away.

Without Carter around, sleep didn’t come easily. I grabbed my phone, debating whether I should text him. I didn’t want to bother him—he worked so hard every day and probably had a lot to do tomorrow. But then, my phone buzzed. A message from Carter.

“Are you asleep?”

His message made me smile. He must be thinking of me, just like I was thinking of him.

“No, I’m awake. I can’t sleep because I’m thinking about you.”

A few months ago, I would’ve cringed at words like that. My chats with Luke were always about business—never anything this personal. But when you’re in love, everything changes. You want to share every moment, every thought; the sights you see, the food you eat, every feeling you have. And the best part is, when you share something, it’s nice to get a response.

“Want me to tell you a story?”

“Sure, I’ll just listen, and I won’t disturb Zoey.”

We connected over the call. I held the phone close, and his voice came through, deep and soothing, “Once upon a time…”

Listening to his voice, to the rhythm of his breathing, I drifted off to sleep almost immediately. That night, I dreamed.

In my dream, a man in armor stood tall, holding a spear with a red tassel. A thousand arrows pierced his chest as he looked toward the distant horizon and whispered, “I’m sorry. I failed you.”

Far above, on the city walls, a woman in a red gown, her hair cascading down her back, wept silently.

I woke with a jolt, my face damp from the tears that had slipped from my eyes in my sleep. My chest tightened as if the pain from the dream was real, as if I had experienced another sorrowful goodbye.

“Chloe, why are you crying again?” Zoey’s voice cut through the silence, and she gently wiped my tears away.

“It’s nothing,” I said quietly. “Just a nightmare.”

She pulled me into her arms, her touch soothing. “Don’t worry. That day is still a long way off. By the way, you were so busy with Carter that you never got to visit the farm. You’ve got to see it! There are kittens to pet, and the chicks are the cutest little things!”

“I heard about that. You went and took some chicks, and the hen chased you all over. And you’re still brave enough to go back?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Zoey scoffed, a playful glint in her eye. “If that hen comes after me again, she’s cooked! Literally, and I’ll sprinkle some mushrooms into it.”

With Zoey around, the mood lightened, and the tension from the dream slipped away as we laughed. It was still early, the sky barely light. I turned to Zoey. “Wanna catch the sunrise?”

“Yes! Let’s do it!” she said eagerly.

We rushed through our morning routine and stepped outside, eager for the quiet beauty of the early day.

But as I opened the door, I froze. There, standing with a suitcase in hand, was a tall man.

I blinked, disoriented. Just last night, he had been telling me a story, and now, before the first light of dawn, here he was, standing in front of me. He must have traveled all night to get here.

“Carl? What are you doing here?” I asked, still surprised.

“You said you missed me,” he replied, a smile in his voice. “I thought I’d give you a little surprise.”

He opened his arms, his gaze warm. Without thinking, I rushed into his embrace, holding him tightly.

“Chloe, I don’t want to have any regrets,” he whispered.

Thinking of the woman in my dream, of her sorrow, I smiled and said softly, “Neither do I.”