Even After Her Death

48 Pearls

Chapter 435: She Shows Up

Whitney truly gave her all for the Sanders. Thanks to her, Taylor made arrangements for them to take a bath that night. Amber, on the other hand, didn’t seem to care much about the Sanders. Maybe she was too worn out dealing with me and decided to pack up and return to the Doltons overnight. I didn’t see her all day.

Tomorrow night was Taylor and Whitney’s wedding. I wasn’t sure why, but I felt uneasy, like something bad was about to happen. It reminded me of the night before my wedding, when I couldn’t sleep and kept tossing and turning.

Carter noticed and sat up to look at me. “What’s wrong, Chloe?”

“I’m going to check on the Sanders.”

Carter looked at me seriously. “Chloe.”

“I’m just a little nervous. Something went wrong on my wedding day, and I’m scared something might happen to Whitney too.”

“Taylor isn’t like Luke. He loves Whitney and wants this wedding to be perfect. He had her wedding dress ready two years ago and went through over 20 designs to get it just right. The dress has 999 diamonds, all hand-set by him. He’s even put aside his hate for the Sanders just to make sure they’re safe. He won’t let anyone ruin this wedding.”

Carter tried to reassure me. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”

“Hmm.”

“If you want to check on them, I’ll come with you.”

It wasn’t that I truly wanted to see the Sanders; I just couldn’t sleep. Every time I tried to lie down, my heart would race, and I felt restless.

The Carlyn Residence was quiet at night, with no servants around. The stairs to the basement were dark. Before I could turn on the lights, someone came rushing up from below.

A tall figure dressed in black appeared, looking almost like a ghost.

“Ah!” I gasped, instinctively stepping back. My heel caught on a step, and I nearly fell.

Two strong hands caught me, pressing me against Carter’s chest. I finally exhaled in relief.

When the figure came closer, I recognized him as Amber’s bodyguard—the dangerous guy Yael had warned me about. He was one step below me, slightly taller than me, and radiated an intimidating presence. My legs wobbled as I leaned against Carter. Without saying a word, he left.

Still trying to calm down.

Carter smiled gently and patted my head. “Don’t be scared.”

He added, “When Damian first started working with me, he dressed like that too. They come from ‘Shadow,’ the most powerful mercenary group. Only S-class criminals and top special forces retirees can join. They all hide their identities.”

I nodded. “Is Aunt Amber back this late?”

“She must have some feelings about her son’s wedding,” Carter replied.

In the basement, the Sanders were all asleep. Whitney’s charm had worked, and they were now resting in a large bunk bed instead of lying on the cold floor. I didn’t want to disturb them, so I quietly left.

“Let’s go to the garden.”

“Okay.”

Carter always agreed to whatever I asked.

At this hour, the garden was filled with the fragrance of flowers and the sound of insects, all under the soft glow of the moon.

I glanced up at the sky. “The stars are so bright tonight.”

“The stars in the small town are even more beautiful. We should go live there for a while in two months.”

“That sounds great.”

I rested my head on his shoulder. “Let’s build a house near the cherry blossom tree. I like that tree.”

“Sure.”

We chatted for a while, and when I turned my head, I noticed a light on the third-floor window, with two figures visible behind the curtains. It looked a little romantic and mysterious.

“Is that Aunt Amber’s room?”

The light turned off, and Carter seemed a little awkward, clearing his throat. “She’s been single for a long time. It’s normal for her to have a man around.”

I smirked. “So, she prefers a strong bodyguard over being caught up in love?”

“Chloe, don’t talk about your elders like that.”

“Alright, I won’t. Let’s go back to sleep.”

After our walk, I felt a lot better. I leaned against Carter’s chest, reassuring myself that nothing bad would happen this time.

The next day, I woke up at five o’clock, quickly got ready, and went upstairs.

Chapter 435: She Shows Up

The Carlyn Residence was already full of activity, with the styling team working on Whitney. She was sitting in front of the mirror, letting them work on her.

“Chloe…” She looked at me.

I picked up the comb and gently brushed her long hair. “I used to braid your hair when you were little. It’s been so long since I did this.”

“Yes.”

I smiled warmly. “I always hear people say that on a wedding day, you should give your sincere blessings to the couple. I hope you have a happy and fulfilling life.”

No matter what the future held, I just wanted her to be happy, even if it was with Taylor or someone else. She didn’t deserve to suffer.

Whitney looked a bit embarrassed. “Chloe, you know I won’t—”

I gently placed a finger over her lips. “Today is your day as the bride, and we should only offer our blessings. Let’s hope for a happy life.”

She smiled at her reflection. “Okay.”

Zoey arrived before seven o’clock. “You look stunning! Of course, Whitney, I didn’t mean you didn’t look good before, but you look even more beautiful today.”

“Janice, if you were the bride, you’d be even more stunning.”

“I’ll never marry, but I could get a divorce. I’ll wear a divorce gown. If I can’t be the most beautiful bride, I’ll be the most beautiful divorced woman!”

The makeup artist laughed at her words. “Mrs. Pearson, when you get divorced, don’t forget to invite me for your styling. I’ll give you a discount.”

“Deal.”

Zoey nudged me. “By the way, don’t forget to ask me to be your bridesmaid at your wedding.”

“I won’t forget anyone. Did you eat breakfast?”

“No, is there anything good to eat?”

I made some food and shared it with her.

Whitney was still in her Alice persona, so after finishing her makeup, she needed to go back to the White Residence before the wedding. Zoey and I went with her.

Even Carter got dressed up for the occasion. I waved my hand in front of him and asked, “Are you ready to get married?”

“What style do you like?” he asked me seriously.

“As long as the groom is you, I’m happy with anything. It’s just a ceremony. I don’t mind.”

“But I care, Chloe. You deserve the best.”

He kissed my forehead.

Zoey clicked her tongue. “Stop kissing. She has makeup on. We need to get the bride to the car. See you at the venue.”

“Okay.”

We got into the wedding car. I waved to Carter as he answered his phone and walked to the side. As the car window went up, I saw his expression change. His face grew cold, and he spoke in a low voice. “Did she show up?”

She? Who showed up?