Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 120

"I kinda like it when you go all macho on me sometimes." All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Ines could clearly feel that ever since she confessed to him last time, their relationship had gotten a lot closer.

Sometimes, a bit of a jolt could do a marriage good, too much smooth sailing could lead to stagnation.

"This time I'll let it slide, but remember to eat on time next time, don't need me to remind you."

"Got it." Ethan mimicked the way she spoke, dragging the last syllable out.

Hearing this, Ines couldn't help but laugh and gave him a playful glare, "Don't mimic me."

Watching the warm and sweet interaction between the two, a hint of sadness flashed through Phoebe's eyes, unnoticed. Suddenly a mischievous face popped into her mind, startling her enough to shake her head.

Phoebe was a true gourmet, even resorting to cooking classes to satiate her love for good food. Still, she couldn't resist expressing her admiration for Ethan's culinary prowess. After Phoebe's departure, Ines shared her plans and the recording with Ethan. After hearing it, he chuckled and responded nonchalantly, "Simple enough. We just need to ascertain the nature of the relationship between Shirley and this man. A quick investigation into their hometown should reveal the necessary details. I'll get Lucas on it."

"Ethan, thank you," Ines said sincerely. This man truly spoils her, it seemed like he would agree to anything she asked for without any conditions. He even did a lot of things for her behind her back. Many times, she felt like she was just dragging him down, causing more trouble than help.

"Didn't we agree not to say 'thank you' to each other anymore?"

"I just feel useless, so at least let me thank you verbally."

Ethan chuckled, "Feeling inferior?"

Ines made a face, "Maybe a little."

Ethan unfurled his hand and gently did the same with hers. "You see," he began, "a man's hand is naturally robust and broad, while a woman's is refined and soft. We are each born with distinct roles to play." His hand enclosed hers effortlessly, warmth spreading from his palm to hers. She relished the sensation of his hand enveloping hers, a feeling that instilled an unfamiliar sense of security within her. She gave him a puzzled look.

He said, "Just like now, a man is born to protect the woman in his palm from all the elements."

Ines was touched, a smile flickered in her eyes, "That's so chauvinistic."

"Izzy, I know you don't want to be a woman who relies on a man, but what's wrong with relying on your own husband?"

Ines was convinced by his words, yeah, what's wrong with relying on her own husband?

"You better not get fed up with me, you know, I still have a lot of problems to sort out." Ines said while looking at Ethan.

Ethan nodded, then suddenly seemed to remember something, he frowned and asked, "So it's just the two of you going?"

Ines was a bit afraid of his reaction, but she didn't dare to lie to him, "Yes."

"You two are too brave, have you even thought about what would happen if they found out? That guy has been in prison before, people like him have no fear of death. And you two women actually

went to eavesdrop on their conversation."

"Phoebe is very experienced in this area." Ines's voice was a bit weak. To be honest, she too thought it was too risky now.

"Don't be so reckless, disasters are the most unpredictable things in the world. We can never know when they will strike. A slight mishap may lead to disaster. You must be careful. Every day there are so many girls, even college students, being kidnapped or held captive. They never thought they would experience such a tragedy." Ethan's eyes were red.

Ines could tell that Ethan was upset, she knew it must be related to his past love. He once had a lover and a respectable big brother, but everything turned out to be an illusion. This kind of pain is not something everyone can bear.

In this moment, Ines felt sorry for him. She hugged his arm and whispered, "Ethan, I understand. I will be careful in the future and won't do anything to make you worry."

Ethan knew he got carried away, because the terrible past made him scared of making the slightest mistake.

He can't bear to lose anyone again.

Ethan embraced Ines, nuzzling his chin into her neck, causing Ines to squirm, laughing and saying, "Stop, you're tickling me."

The more she protested, the more he teased her. Ines was ticklish and ended up laughing so hard that she almost couldn't breathe. In the end, she was so worn out that she would have fallen if Ethan hadn't been holding her. After catching her breath, she looked up to see Ethan smiling again, and couldn't help but give him a little push, "They say a woman's mood is as fickle as the weather, but I see men are no different, you sure change your mood fast."

Ethan didn't respond, he just held her quietly. Later, he moved them to the lounge chair on the balcony, both of them holding each other in silence.

The night was still a bit chilly. Ines couldn't help but shudder, Ethan went to the bedroom and fetched a blanket, wrapping both of them tightly.

Ines recognized that he was reflecting on his sorrow-laden past. This man always exuded strength and confidence, seemingly unshakeable, standing tall as though he could endure eternally, provided he didn't stumble. However, beneath that facade, he was no different from anyone else, susceptible to vulnerability and capable of being wounded.

Ines tightened her hold on him, whispering, "Ethan, I will always be with you, I will never leave you."

Ethan's body stiffened, he knew that Ines now knew about his past.

Then he heard Ines continue, "Ethan, don't make me wait too long. I've already confessed my past to you, naturally, I hope to know about yours."

Even though Ines didn't say it directly, Ethan knew what she was referring to - his past. "Alright." Ethan's answer was simple and straightforward, but he said it very seriously.