Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 122

Ines initially wanted to turn a blind eye, but seeing Kelly's nose bleed non-stop, and it looked pretty bad, she just had to step in.

With Ines' help, Kelly managed to stand up, nearly falling over again as her vision blurred. Ines quickly grabbed her, suggesting, "Let me take you to the hospital."

Ines hailed a taxi and rushed Kelly to the hospital. The medical verdict was a nosebleed and numerous abrasions on her face and body. The doctor promptly initiated an IV drip and enlisted a nurse's help to tend to her injuries.

Ines was already half an hour late. She had to call in sick to her boss, Amelia. Luckily, their relationship had eased up recently, so Amelia didn't ask any questions. After hanging up, Ines popped into a nearby shop to grab some clothes. When she got back, Kelly was just finished getting patched up. Ines handed her the clothes. Kelly glanced at her, took them, and quietly changed. She returned Ines' coat, asking, "Thanks, how much were the clothes? I'll pay you."

Ines shook her head, "Don't worry about it, it's nothing fancy. Just take care of yourself." With that, she turned to leave. She had just reached the door when she heard Kelly explain, "Ines, I just couldn't stand Amelia. She's so cold and boring, yet she's married to a sweetheart from a rich family who personally drives her to and from work every day. So, I took advantage of those car rides to 'randomly' bump into him and subtly seduce him. Who knew he'd fall for it so easily."

Ines turned around in surprise. She thought Kelly would confess something genuine and heartfelt. Instead, she heard a petty reason: she was just annoyed at Amelia and, out of jealousy, decided to become the other woman.

Kelly continued, "Later, I found out he's quite generous and doesn't mind spending on me. It's definitely better than being an audit assistant at the firm and earning peanuts. Besides, I didn't steal or rob anyone, I'm just hustling."

Ines shook her head, not sure if this was an isolated case or if many people thought this way nowadays. This twisted set of values, "not stealing, not robbing, hustling for your own living,"

Since when did becoming the other woman become a way to hustle?

"You're only 22, you have plenty of opportunities to succeed in the future, why would you want to be someone's mistress? This is a stain you'll never be able to wash off. Do you want your future kids to be pointed at and whispered about, being the child of a mistress?"

Kelly looked lost, "I never thought about it that much."

"Kelly, of all the roads in life, why pick the one that's despised? I can't stand mistresses."

"Then why did you help me?" Kelly asked in confusion.

"Because of your other identity: you're also my colleague."

Kelly bowed her head, listening. Ines continued her narrative, "Once upon a time, I had a happy family. Yet, an extramarital affair led to my mother's demise, estrangement with my half-sister, and expulsion from my father's life. My roots lie not in B City, but in A City. Your actions could potentially inflict harm on Amelia's daughter. I was already an adult when I endured such a hardship, and it left deep scars. Naomi, however, is merely a child, dependent on her parents. The consequences of your actions could leave a lasting imprint on her life."

Kelly seemed to look guilty. Ines knew she wasn't inherently bad, or else she wouldn't have bothered talking to her so much.

"Your life is just starting. It's not too late to turn back. You're in no shape to work right now, I'll help you apply for leave when I get back."

Kelly was taken aback, "Are you going to tell Amelia?"

"What, you think you can keep this a secret from her? She's been suspecting someone from the firm is messing with her husband. There aren't many young women at the firm, you've been a suspect for a while. Plus, this morning's incident happened right outside the firm. It's probably not just our colleagues who know, all people in this building must have heard."

With that, Ines left the room without another word.

The room was on the fifth floor. The elevator was crowded, so she took the stairs. As she turned a corner, she saw a familiar figure. It was Hunter. When he turned around, Ines saw his face was ghostly pale and he looked miserable.

Ines' heart sank, without thinking, she started following him.

But by the time she caught up, he was gone. He'd gone into the men's restroom, which she couldn't enter.

She waited outside for a while. After a long time, a middle-aged man came out. She couldn't help but ask, "Sir, is there anyone else inside?"

The man shook his head, "Nope, just me."

Ines was stunned, she shook her head with a laugh, thinking she must've seen wrong.

But as soon as she left, Hunter came out. He was leaning against the wall, looking incredibly weak.

As he turned around, Ines saw him. He'd seen Ines too, knowing she had been waiting outside for him. So he'd asked the middle-aged man beforehand to say the restroom was empty if anyone asked. NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

Silas ran over from a distance, supporting him, "Boss, why did you come out on your own? Is your chemo over?"

Hunter nodded, "I just saw Ines at the hospital. Can you find out what she's doing here?"

Silas nodded, "Alright, you go back to your room first. I'll come to get you later."

After leaving the hospital, Ines hopped into a cab and headed straight for the firm.

As she passed by Amelia's office, Ines couldn't help but sneak a peek at her. Amelia was still working as usual, seemingly unfazed by the morning's events.

Ines felt a twinge of respect for her. If she were in Amelia's shoes, she'd be anything but calm.

Ines knocked on the door, and Amelia looked up at her, gesturing for her to come in.

"Sorry for being late, Ms. Young."

Amelia shook her head, "No worries, how is she?"

"No major issues, just some surface wounds. She'll recover with some rest." Amelia nodded nonchalantly. Ines was at a loss for words - she was never good at comforting others.