Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 217

"You could always opt for plan B, you know - snag yourself a reliable hubby. That way, you won't have to slog away on your own anymore." Ines said.

"Can you stop with that? Is it a prerequisite for all knocked-up women to be this naggy? If I were really strapped for cash, I'd rather mooch off my folks back home than bust my hump out here." Phoebe said.

Ines knew Phoebe hadn't asked her parents for help in years. To Phoebe, taking money from them meant kissing her freedom goodbye. At least now, she was making her own dough and still had some semblance of freedom. And just as she'd hoped, her parents could huff and puff all they want, but they couldn’t put an economic squeeze on her. All they could do was watch helplessly as she made a spectacle of herself at matchmaking dinners.

"I know you've got your pride." Ines mulled over how to broach the subject of the man she saw at the hospital earlier. She tentatively asked, "Phoebe, have things not progressed with Noel?"

At that moment, Phoebe was lounging comfortably on a deck chair. Upon hearing Ines's question, she grumbled, "Why are you always harping on about Noel? Did he pay you a wad of cash to be his mouthpiece or something?"

"I ask because I'm worried about you. Stop dodging the question." Ines retorted sternly.

"Ines, Noel and I haven't known each other for very long. We're not exactly going to be making leaps and bounds here." Phoebe said.

Upon hearing this, Ines bluntly said, "I saw someone at the hospital today with Ethan. He was asking about you."

Phoebe's heart suddenly clenched. It took her a while to respond, "Enough, Ines."

Ines felt that the only reason Phoebe hadn’t moved forward was because of that man. Now that he was back, it was time to untangle the past so she could begin anew.

"Phoebe, you probably already guessed who I'm talking about. His name is Samuel." Ines said.

Phoebe closed her eyes in anguish. It took her a while to speak up. Ines knew she hadn't hung up; Phoebe was just trying to regain her composure. Eventually, she heard her chuckle bitterly, "You know what? The reason I haven't taken that step is that I know once I do, there's no turning back. There's no room for what-ifs." She wasn’t heartless. She could feel Noel's affection, but she couldn't get past her own barrier.

Ines understood. All these years, Phoebe had numerous suitors, including the eligible bachelors her mother set her up with, yet she never wavered. Ines wasn't sure if it was stubbornness or a deep- seated love that couldn't be shaken.

"You should meet him and clear things up so you can make a decision. Don't let the people around you down." Ines said.

"Okay." Phoebe muttered reluctantly.

After hanging up, a worried look washed over Ines's face. Seeing her like this, Camela couldn't resist saying, "Izzy, you need to keep your spirits up. Don't overthink it. Your friend's problems are for her to solve."

"It's alright, Camela. I'm just unsure of how to comfort her. I feel like I can't do anything for her. She's my best friend. Even though I've forgotten her, she's always stuck by me." Ines replied, "Ethan always says I'm too soft-hearted. Matters of the relationships can't be meddled with by outsiders. Once we get through this rough patch, everything will fall into place. You'll understand when you reach my age. Love isn't the be-all and end-all. What's important is having someone to chat with and stroll with when you're old and frail." Camela advised earnestly.

"Perhaps you're right." Ines said.

Seeing Ines relax, Camela resumed packing. Suddenly, Ines asked, "Camela, can you bring the photo albums from our bedroom too? I'm afraid we might not be able to return until after the baby is born."

Camela agreed with a smile, "Sure." This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Ines pondered again, then asked Camela to pack some of her usual items as well. Camela emerged from the bedroom with the photo albums, saying with a grin, "Izzy, your parents really love you. They've done a great job of collating and organizing your photos from over the years. I flipped through them briefly just now. Each picture was meticulously chosen. They might not document any major events, but it's the little things that are hardest to keep up with. And they've done it for over a decade. It's really something. When my daughter was little, even though times were tough, we often took her to get her picture taken. But we just tossed the photos aside. Now, when we want to find them, we can barely scrape together a few. Who knows where we lost them. Seeing your neatly organized albums now, I can't help but be amazed."

Camela was busy packing the albums into a box and didn't notice Ines's change in mood.

Ines was stunned for a moment. When Camela looked up, she noticed Ines's dazed expression and couldn't help but ask, "What's the matter, Izzy? Did I say something wrong?"

Ines knew Camela was unaware of her relationship with Hunter, so she wasn't angry. She shook her head, "It's nothing, Camela. I was just lost in thought."

Camela chuckled, "That's a relief. I'm old and tend to ramble. I was afraid I might have said something that upset you."

Ethan came home from work to find Ines dozing off on the couch with her hand under her chin, while Camela was cooking in the kitchen.

He walked over and gently tapped Ines's face, chiding her, "I've told you countless times, why are you napping on the couch again? Aren't you afraid of catching a cold?"

"You're back." Ines opened her eyes and smiled, wrapping her arms around Ethan's neck.

Ethan put down his briefcase and sat down next to Ines, asking, "How come you're back so early today?"

"Silas wanted me to hand over my work to him today. That person is coming back the day after tomorrow, so there's not much left for me to do. I asked Camela to start packing in advance. I'm planning to move to the Meyer Mansion tomorrow. With them around, you won't have to worry so much." Ines said.

Ethan nodded and affectionately pinched her face, "No matter where you are, I'll always worry."

"You're such a worrywart," Ines crinkled her nose.

"Well, it's inevitable. How could I not worry about my own wife and child?" Ethan said.

"By the way, I told Camela not to take your stuff. When you're busy, you can stay here, and when you're not, you can go back to grandpa's. I saw some of your clothes there, should be enough for you.” Ines said.

"I'll go with your plan." Ethan said.