Chapter 459: Want to Force Him to Divorce

Zoey stiffened, her mood plummeting. “Chloe, I won’t be with him.”

I guided her to a nearby bench, the warm sunlight gently warming her face.

Janice possessed an enchanting presence, with the spirit of someone far younger. Zoey’s emotional maturity might not have reached twenty years. When innocence and desire mingled on her face, it created an intriguing appeal she didn’t even realize. As a woman, I couldn't help but be moved simply by looking at her.

I didn’t believe Harlan remained unaffected. If he were, how could he later humble himself to win her over?

Zoey lowered her head, fidgeting. “I used to hate him. I hated his coldness and cruelty. Janice was the woman his grandfather forced on him. To rebel, he pushed her away. The original Janice was a pushover; she’d follow him around asking if he wanted to eat or shower, then cry in secret when Nina provoked her. When I was reborn into this body, I had no patience for him.”

“This guy is so unpredictable. I’m harsh with him because I want to divorce him as soon as possible. But instead, he’s started clinging to me. Chloe, I’m not an idiot. I know he’s developing feelings for me.”

“When I came back from the small town, I was ready to die at any moment. I wanted to get the divorce over with quickly so he wouldn’t get too caught up in it. Janice is a tragic figure, and the world is cruel enough. But I never expected that on Whitney’s wedding day, he would throw caution to the wind and stop car after car for me.”

Zoey’s voice shook slightly. “At that moment, I admit, I was moved. I finally understood why women in novels fall for the hero who saves them. I couldn’t avoid this cliché either. Over the phone, I promised him we wouldn’t divorce.”

“But when I saw him all bruised and battered, I came back to my senses. His pain was my fault. Being with me could only bring him more misery. Even if not, we wouldn’t last. If our relationship is doomed to end tragically, why start it? It’s better to cut our losses before it’s too late.”

Despite her youth, Zoey was more clear-headed than most.

“So, you deliberately pushed him, made him eat durian, pretended to be jealous, and fought with him and Nina—just to make him hate you and ask for a divorce?”

Zoey twisted her wrist. “Not really. I just wanted to mess with them. You don’t know how horrible Nina was to Janice before. I wanted justice for her. As for Harlan, shouldn’t he be scolded for eating that hypocrite’s cereal?”

I laughed. “Are you trying to kill me with laughter?”

Zoey possessed principles and was more rational than anyone who might call her naive.

“Chloe, Harlan and I are nothing like you and Carter. You two have so many ties, but Harlan and I—our feelings are more like the start of a teenage crush. How many couples marry their first love? I want to keep my feelings in check before they get too deep. Even if we split up in the future, it won’t hurt as much.”

But love wasn’t something that built up over time. When Harlan risked his life for her, she was already too invested. Zoey had her reasons for this mindset. In the end, I was just a bystander, and like Whitney and Taylor, their fate would decide their outcome.

I sighed softly. “Even if you want him to dislike you, he needs to eat well to heal. Don’t do this to him again. If you starved me for a day, I’d hold a grudge forever.” I couldn’t forget being starved by Yacl on Rosbel Island, especially since Harlan was injured.

Zoey stuck out her tongue. “I know, but I truly like Limburger cheese.”

I gave her a gentle hug. “Well, as long as you like it, don’t worry about others. Just live your life and enjoy it. I’ll support whatever you decide.”

“Great.”

“What are some of those 100 things you want to do? Can I join in?” I winked at her.

Maybe it was because I was older than Zoey and Whitney, but I always tried to care for them in a more mature way, even though I lacked their youthful energy and liveliness.

Zoey smiled. “Yes, let’s take a friend’s wedding photos! Chloe, your body belongs to me. It’ll be so much fun taking photos with me!”

I stood and started walking away. “Thanks for the invite, but I’ll only take wedding photos with Carter.”

“Come on, just one! Don’t be so stingy!”

“No.”

Zoey ran after me as I sprinted ahead. The sun filtered through the trees, casting a soft glow on our faces as we laughed. I had no idea what the future might bring, but at that moment, we were alive, feeling the breeze on our skin. Smiling and locking eyes with the person I loved, I felt like the happiest person in the world.

I ran toward Carter, who opened his arms and caught me in a warm embrace. “Slow down. Be careful not to fall.” He gently wiped the sweat from my forehead with his sleeve. Being around Zoey made me feel so much younger.

Harlan sat in his wheelchair, looking like a mummy, his eyes filled with longing as he watched Zoey. “Darling…” Zoey noticed him but didn’t even glance his way as she walked by. Furious, Harlan yelled, “Janice!” Numerous birds flew into the sky, startled and panicked.

Seeing the arguing couple, I couldn’t help but feel both amused and a little sad. Harlan had no understanding of Zoey’s past or her future—how unfortunate.

I turned to Carter and said, “Since we’re at the hospital, you should check that back wound carefully. Don’t let it get infected.” He stroked my head. “It’s fine. Come with me to see someone.” I nodded. “Alright.” It had been a few days, so he should be feeling better now.

After escaping danger, Damian was under Carter’s control. Even though Carter knew Damian had betrayed him, he couldn’t bring himself to hurt him, especially after all they’d been through together. Instead, he confined Damian’s movements and cut off his contact with the outside world. In truth, Amber hadn’t done anything to Carter other than giving Damian that one order. Damian wasn’t part of the organization and didn’t have a chip in his body.

When we arrived, the bodyguard opened the door. Damian sat on the bed, his expression blank and lifeless, like a soulless puppet. He didn’t react to the door opening, probably thinking it was just the doctor doing his rounds. It wasn’t until I spoke, “Damian.” He looked up in shock, staring at both me and Carter. Trembling, he fell off the bed and crawled across the floor. I wanted to help, but his large frame made it hard for me to do so. He got on his knees, banging his head on the ground. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Zoey… I’m sorry, Mr. Carter…”