Loved You Once But He's My Forever (Chloe)

The moment Taylor learned Anna had a heart condition, he nearly broke down. In his eyes, she had already suffered enough—unable to reunite with her family in this lifetime and now, she had to deal with an illness like this.

This was his fault. He had wanted Anna to live a good life, to at least learn how to protect herself.

He had wanted to teach her everything he could, but in the end, he had only hurt her.

If he hadn't pushed her to go skydiving, she wouldn't have been put under that kind of stress.

When Anna saw the guilt written all over his face, she simply smiled and shrugged it off. "Taylor, don't worry. I'm fine. Medical technology is so advanced nowadays— even if I have a condition, it can be treated. There's bypass surgery, heart transplants ... It's not the end of the world. Look at me, I'm still here, aren't I?"

She didn't blame him at all. Instead, she was the one offering him comfort.

Taylor, thinking about everything he was about to do to the Sanders family, couldn't hold back anymore. He pulled her into his arms, his voice hoarse as he whispered, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

Anna, ever the optimist, patted his back. "My dad had a heart condition too, and he managed it just fine all these years. I don't have to deal with business or social events like he does, so you don't have to worry about me. I'll be okay, I promise. Don't be sad."

Anna was so pure.

At that moment, Taylor made a vow-he would protect her for the rest of his life. He would never let anything happen to her.

From then on, he cut out all athletic activities from her schedule, leaving only the essential arts courses.

Even her academic workload was reduced. Her condition wasn't stable. The doctors had warned that as she aged, her heart would weaken. She had to avoid any kind of emotional or physical stress.

Even if she received a transplant, there was a risk her body would reject it, which could shorten her lifespan even further.

Taylor threw himself into studying cardiology, hoping that one day, he might be able to help her.

At the same time, he prepared for the worst-beginning his search for a compatible heart donor for Anna.

If that day ever came, at least he wouldn't be caught unprepared.

He wanted her to grow up carefree, but the moment their paths had crossed, fate had already set its course.

Some things were simply unavoidable.

Meanwhile, Wisteria had undergone years of rigorous training and countless

trials. Now, the Carlyns were finally ready to execute their revenge plan.

That year, Anna turned 15. Taylor was 18.

She had grown into a tall, beautiful young woman. With the help of medication, her heart condition remained stable.

She was cheerful, lively, and just as affectionate as ever.

Perhaps because she had older brothers at home, she had always seen Taylor as family, treating him like a real brother.

Even at 15, she still clung to him like a child.

To manage her condition, she had spent the past few years living in a secluded villa in Snowville. Taylor would occasionally take her out to see what the Sanders family was up to, just to put her at ease.

As a result, Anna had grown into a confident, trusting girl who relied on Taylor completely.

After the long, harsh winter in Snowville, spring finally arrived.

Knowing how much she loved flowers, Taylor had a vast garden prepared for her -one that bloomed with vibrant colors all year round.

In the middle of the garden stood a handmade swing, crafted by Taylor himself.

Anna was well-behaved. Even when Taylor was away for long periods, she never once thought of running away.

She knew he had hidden her here from the Carlyns-even Yael didn't know where she was.

A mute girl had been assigned to take care of Anna's daily needs.

Life felt dull when Taylor wasn't around, but Anna knew that without him, she wouldn't even be alive.

Every time he returned, she would lift the hem of her dress and run to greet him, clinging to him for a hug.

The moment the front door opened, Anna's eyes lit up.

She had been tounging on the swing,

basking in the sun, with a book resting on her head. The sound of the door startled her. She quickly.

pulled the book away, not even bothering to put on her shoes as she sprinted toward the entrance.

But the person standing there wasn't Taylor.

Instead, it was a face that was both unfamiliar and eerily familiar.

Anna hadn't met many people in her short life, especially not anyone close to her age.

It didn't take long for her to recognize the girl-it was Wisteria, the same girl who,

at just five years old, had wanted to break her arms and legs.

Wisteria looked nothing like she had back then. She had once been pale and delicate, but now, she seemed like she had just returned from the African wilderness-her face weathered, her skin darkened, and her frame leaner.

Yet, there was something fierce about her, like a predator locking onto its prey.

"It's you!" Anna instinctively felt the danger.

"Anna, long time no see."

Wisteria smiled sweetly, but with each step she took forward, the menace in her voice became unmistakable. "I can't believe you're still alive. Taylor dotes on you, huh? Hiding you away in a place like this."

Anna immediately knew this was bad.

Behind her, the mute servant acted quickly, discreetly recording a video and sending it to Taylor's phone.

"Stay back," Anna warned, eyeing a small gardening hoe nearby.

Although she hadn't trained in the past couple of years, she had learned self- defense when she was younger. Now, she deliberately feigned weakness, slowly retreating as if frightened.

"Taylor is too soft-hearted. The Sanders should've been wiped off the face of the earth, yet he's been keeping you alive and well," Wisteria sneered. "Looks like I'll have to finish the job myself."noveldrama

"No!" Anna gasped, pretending to collapse in fear. As her legs gave out, her fingers brushed the handle of the hoe.

"I don't understand why Taylor keeps

you around, Wisteria continued, her voice laced with contempt. "Or maybe he's just blinded by your pretty little face? Anna, I won't go easy on you. I have plenty of ways to

make you suffer. You know my

dad's crippled leg? That was all

thanks to your family!"

With that, Wisteria pulled out a dagger. "Don't blame me-blame that old Sanders

woman!"

The blade came down.

Anna rolled to the side at the last second, making Wisteria miss her mark.

Seizing the moment, Anna swung the hoe with all her strength, striking Wisteria

on the head. Blood splattered instantly.

Without wasting a second, Anna turned and ran.

For the first time in her life, she sprinted toward the main gate without Taylor by

her side.

Survival came first.

The moment she stepped outside, she skidded to a halt.

Standing in her path was a wall of men, their bodies built like mountains.

At the front of the group stood a towering figure. His creepy eyes made him appear even more terrifying.

Anna's instincts screamed at her danger.

"Silas, kill her!" Wisteria shrieked from behind, clutching her bleeding head in

rage.

Silas shifted his gaze from Wisteria's injury to Anna's face. His thin lips curled into

a chilling smirk.

"You should be dead."