Chapter 407: I’m Not Interested in Chloe

Zoey dragged Whitney out for an entire day of chaotic fun. Every time Taylor tried to say something, Zoey would shut him up with a sharp retort. These women, born into elite families, were experts in pretense. Even when facing sworn enemies, they would still wear fake smiles and exchange sweet, insincere pleasantries. However, Janice was different. She acted like a fool—direct, blunt, and devoid of tact. She never considered other people’s feelings, treating everyone equally, including her husband. She’d treat even a passing dog with the same disdain.

And yet, Taylor couldn’t quite grasp her character. It was impossible to treat her normally, and they couldn’t stoop to Janice’s level of shamelessness either. After all, they had reputations to uphold. Still, it didn’t matter. As long as Whitney was happy, that was enough for Taylor.

As they were about to leave, Taylor glanced at Whitney. She wore a glowing cat-ear headband Zoey had given her, her cheeks flushed with excitement. Though she was 25, she looked no more than 18. She lacked the air of a mature woman. Normally, she was somber and lifeless, but today, her bright energy made her look even more beautiful.

Once they got into the car, Taylor asked, “Did you have fun today?” Whitney’s smile disappeared instantly. Her expression turned cold as she said, “I broke the rules. If you’re mad, just kill me.” Her tone was defiant, resigned. She’d endured so much torment since childhood that even death no longer frightened her. She wasn’t bothered about anything since Chloe was gone now.

She braced herself for Taylor’s anger, but instead, she found herself enveloped in a gentle embrace. His voice murmured softly against her ear, “Why would I kill you? It’s been so long since I’ve seen you this happy.”

Whitney was startled. “You…”

“Whitney, I told you before—I don’t want to hurt you anymore. As long as you don’t try to leave me, it’s okay to indulge once in a while.” His kindness terrified her. Taylor had always been unpredictable, capable of inflicting unbearable pain one moment and applying soothing balm the next.

She wasn’t moved by his words; she was paralyzed with fear. Trembling, she clung to his clothes and pleaded, “Punish me if you’re upset. Just don’t hurt Janice. She’s a good person. She’s kind and innocent.”

Taylor’s gaze softened as he looked into her terrified and teary eyes. He gently wiped them away and said, “What are you talking about? Why would I hurt Mrs. Pearson? But you… You know who Mute Girl is, don’t you?”

Whitney froze. Every time Taylor smiled like this, it sent chills down her spine. She recalled how Taylor would give her food during her childhood. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt with suspenders and a bow tie, looking every bit the gentleman. His charming, refined face had once fooled her into thinking he was a kind elder brother figure. When she reached out to take the plate of risotto he offered, he dumped it onto the ground in front of her and laughed. “Kneel and lick up every single grain.” She was five years old.

Compared to Chloe’s trauma with the Carlyns, Whitney’s fear of Taylor ran deeper. She didn’t know what would happen to her every time he smiled. Now, as her body trembled, she stammered, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Mute Girl’s suddenly so close to Yael. He even brought her to you. Whenever she’s around, you eat more—even two slices of meat, which you usually hate. Mute Girl is Chloe, isn’t she? Only she could make Yael so uneasy. Did you really think I wouldn’t notice your little schemes?”

Taylor’s confidence stemmed from the fact that Chloe, even if reborn, had no real evidence against them. What could she report to the authorities? That she’d been dismembered and then brought back to life? Besides, her killer, Silas, was long dead. Without proof, the Carlyns were untouchable.

Whitney clenched her fists tightly, knowing her pretense was useless in front of him. “You’ve known all along… Why haven’t you exposed her?”

Taylor embraced her again. “I just want you to be happy, Whitney. Don’t be afraid of me, okay? I know I’ve treated you badly in the past, but I’ll change. I’ll learn to be a good husband and build a happy family with you.”

Tears streamed down Whitney’s face. He had destroyed her family, making her witness her sister’s heart transplanted into her own body, witness her brother’s death, and even attend his funeral. He had plunged her into nightmares she couldn’t escape. How absurd it was for the man who had caused all this to suggest they could form a family. But she didn’t dare voice her thoughts. She could only be thankful that her previous outburst had made Taylor more restrained. At least for now, he hadn’t laid a hand on Chloe.

“Please don’t hurt them. I’m begging you,” she whispered. She had seen the methods the Carlyns used and genuinely feared for both of them.

In an attempt to appease Taylor, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed a desperate kiss to his lips. She pleaded, “I’ll listen to you, I won’t run. Please don’t kill Chloe… she’s already died once…”

Taylor kissed away her tears and said, “Don’t cry. You don’t need to worry about me. I’ve never been interested in Chloe.”

I woke up from a deep sleep. I remembered collapsing in Carter’s arms. Whitney! I tried to speak, but no sound came out. Turning my head, I saw the man beside me, holding me tightly as if afraid I might vanish at any moment. Thinking about how Carter likely hadn’t slept well for days, I didn’t dare move, hoping he could rest a little longer.

Under the faint light from the streetlamp outside, I allowed myself to greedily take in his features. They were etched into my heart, drawn a thousand times in my mind. And yet, I could never look enough. As if sensing my gaze, he slowly opened his groggy eyes. His voice was hoarse, and guilt filled his expression as he looked at me. “Chloe, I’m sorry, I—”

Before he could finish, I leaned forward and silenced him with a fierce kiss. Carl, I never blamed you. I understood why you did what you did. Deep down, we both knew that if Whitney had truly been in danger, she wouldn’t have survived until now. Taylor genuinely cared for her. Even if Yael wanted to cause trouble, he couldn’t take things too far—not with Taylor in the way.

But my heart ached for Whitney. I couldn’t forget the image of her sitting alone on the windowsill, hugging her knees. I wanted to be there for her, even if I couldn’t say anything. My presence alone might make her eat better, sleep more peacefully, and feel less lonely. And yet, my selfishness had left Carter anxious and restless. I was the one who should apologize. Carl, I’ve been too selfish.

Unlike our peck back at the night market, this time I kissed him passionately while indulging in his warmth and scent. On the island, I thought I would never see him again. Now that we were together once more, my heart was filled with overwhelming joy. The two of us clung to each other like wild beasts in the darkness, desperate to devour one another. I couldn’t speak, but I gently patted his waist with my fingers. Faster. Deeper. Let us become one completely. Carl, I love you.