Chapter 429: Will You Miss Me?

Luke and I had shared a unique bond for two decades, but it had been six months since our paths diverged. Even so, hearing his name again felt surreal—like stepping into a different world. Not long ago, Luke came to Jaford after a single call from me. We met briefly, yet I couldn't fathom why he'd shown up at Carlyn Residence.

“Where is he now?” I asked.

“He came with…” Yael hesitated, glancing at Carter as though he couldn’t say the name aloud.

“He came with Mr. Bolton, but he didn’t approach. He just stayed at a distance, watching you, and then left.”

Carter then explained, “Your fake death hurt him deeply. He’s stayed in Jaford, likely just to confirm you’re alive.”

“Hmm.” I nodded faintly, my thoughts wandering to Luke. What was he thinking now? As Oliver’s son, his connection to everything ran deep. I once believed that Amber might be one of the lost Bolton twins, but now it seemed she wasn’t. It seemed more likely the twins were alive and in hiding.

Most of the mysteries surrounding Amber had already been unraveled, and I was confident she wouldn’t harm Carter. That left one explanation—the car crash involving Carter and Esther could have been orchestrated by the missing twins. Their vendetta wasn’t against the Sanders but the Boltons. I couldn’t help but wonder if Amber was somehow linked to them.

We’d need to wait until we were back in Snowville to uncover the truth about the Boltons. For now, removing Whitney’s chip took priority. That chip felt like a constant burden, making it impossible for me to relax or even eat until it was gone.

Whitney and Taylor’s wedding was just three days away. I had been staying at Carlyn Residence to assist with the preparations. Taylor spent most of his time in silence, either smoking on the porch or staring off into the distance. Whitney’s mood mirrored his—she seemed despondent, far from a glowing bride.

The only person who seemed cheerful was Yael, likely because Amber was cooking for them every day, thanks to Carter. Yael smiled at me.

“Chloe, you should wear this dress for the banquet. It’ll suit you,” he suggested enthusiastically.

Carter didn’t glance at it before throwing it into the trash. “Chloe, I’ve already picked out a dress for you,” he said.

Yael smirked. “Chloe, aren’t you tired of putting up with this jealous guy every day? Doesn’t it drive you crazy?”

Carter shot back, “Whether she’s annoyed or not, I know you haven’t learned your lesson yet. Do you want me to end it for you?”

Taylor intervened, “Yael, come here.”

Reluctantly, Yael obeyed, sticking close to Taylor as usual. Later that afternoon, while Carter was away, Yael slipped something into my hand. It was a bunny-shaped keychain, with ruby-red eyes and a tiny bell around its neck. It looked adorable.

“Chloe, I made this for you. Even if I’m not with you, seeing this will remind you of me,” he said softly.

I stared at him. “Are you saying you don’t want me by your side anymore?”

Yael lightly kicked at a potted plant nearby. “I know it’s hopeless now.” They had lost all leverage.

“Chloe, I’m leaving Jaford after Whitney’s wedding.”

“Where will you go?” I asked.

“I’m not sure. Taylor will decide,” he replied, looking into my eyes. “Will you miss me when I’m gone?”

I reached out to pat his head. “As long as you don’t hurt me anymore, we can be friends.” Knowing his feelings for me weren’t romantic brought me a sense of relief. “Yael, keep your hands clean. Stay in the light.” Perhaps Taylor understood the importance of shielding his brother. Years of protection had allowed Yael to keep his innocence and smile.

“I understand, Chloe.”

Later, the wedding dress arrived—a stunning mermaid gown adorned with diamonds and handmade flowers. Its beauty was breathtaking, especially when the sunlight reflected off its intricate details. It was obvious Taylor had invested a lot of effort into it. A dress like this would have required months, if not a year, to order. His devotion to Whitney was undeniable.

Whitney ran her fingers over the gown’s surface, captivated. No woman could resist such a masterpiece.

“You’ll look stunning,” I assured her.

For a moment, envy flickered through me as memories of my ill-fated wedding surfaced. Everything—from the venue to the dress—had been manipulated by Wisteria. In the end, I had died in the snow wearing something utterly unsuitable. Even if Whitney and Taylor’s marriage might not last, he was showering her with love at this moment.

Zoey had also come at my invitation. As Whitney had once said, perhaps she would never fall in love again. I didn’t wish for her to marry. I only wanted her to live a happy and fulfilling life. That was why I was so invested in making this wedding perfect. Having thought my sister was gone forever, seeing her get married was a gift I never expected. I wanted her to be the most radiant bride in the world, at least for that one day, to feel like the happiest person.

Zoey’s eyes sparkled as she examined the dress. “Are these real diamonds? Taylor sure is generous. But how heavy is this thing? Can she even manage it?”

I laughed softly. “Beauty comes with a bit of discomfort. It’s worth it. If I ever get married, I’d wear the most extravagant dress I could find. We only get one chance.” Though I now inhabited Zoey’s body, I’d never had a proper wedding in it.

Zoey’s eyes lit up. “Great idea! How about we take wedding photos someday?”

I waved her off. “No, I want to take them with Carl.”

“Hmph, you always put your husband first!”

Harlan suddenly cleared his throat, catching Zoey’s attention.

“If you’re sick, stay away from us,” she snapped.

Looking sheepish, Harlan replied, “If you want to take wedding photos, I could—”

“Thanks, but I’d rather pose with a dog,” she retorted.

Harlan was frustrated. “Janice!”

“What now?” she replied dismissively, leaving him silent.

Amused, I watched them bicker before taking Carter’s arm. “Carl, shouldn’t we take wedding photos too?”

He gently tapped my nose. “Of course.”

Whitney watched us with a distant expression, lost in her thoughts. Zoey stayed until late that night, while Carter and I remained at Carlyn Residence for the next two days. Carter believed Amber’s presence made me safe here. If she intended to protect him, she would have to shield me as well.

But just before the wedding, unexpected guests arrived at Carlyn Residence. Several individuals were brought in with their heads covered. Whitney, barefoot and frantic, hurried downstairs. Knowing I couldn’t get my hands wet, Carter took care of bathing me and drying my hair. Just as I was about to playfully reach for his abs, I heard voices drift in from outside.

Curious, I opened the door to find three individuals kneeling in the living room, their heads concealed under dark cloth. Two of them were men, and the other was a woman, all treated as if they were captives. A sense of recognition flickered in my mind, and my expression shifted slightly. Unlike Whitney, who hurried forward in a state of panic, I remained still by the door, observing the scene in silence. With trembling hands, Whitney removed the covering from one of the figures. As the cloth fell away, a familiar face came into view. Whitney’s eyes filled with tears, which spilled down her cheeks moments later.