Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 56

The moment the call connected, Ethan's gentle and pleasing voice came through, "Izzy, it's lunch time. You're not still busy, are you?"

Lately, they had formed a habit of calling each other at noon. Most of the time, Ethan was the one to make the call. Listening to his caring words, Ines's little annoyance vanished, "I've already eaten. I had to hang up on you earlier because of something coming up."

"That's good. Just make sure to eat on time." Ethan said.

"I know." She thought to herself, that he was like a nagging old man repeating this every day.

Hearing how she dragged out her answer, Ethan knew she was probably scoffing in that way she did. He couldn't help but laugh, "Are you annoyed with me?" It was just one of those things he couldn't control. He knew she was all grown up, but he just couldn't help but worry.

"I wouldn't dare to be annoyed with Mr. Meyer." Ines said.

"Don't just say it."Ethan said.

"Ha-ha." Ines chuckled and then became serious, "Ethan, do men not like it when women put too much energy into their work?"

Amelia's situation had made her feel somewhat reflective. A relationship that started from college, lasting for a decade, ending with betrayal and divorce. Such a conclusion was disheartening.

She didn't know what Amelia was like in her personal life, but from their time together, she considered Amelia to be a bit cold, yet impeccable in her work. She thought that such a diligent worker would not be irresponsible in life.

"What happened?" Ethan could tell something was off in Ines's tone.

"Nothing much, I was just feeling a bit reflective and wanted to hear a man's perspective." Ines said.

Ethan paused for a moment before saying, "There's no absolute answer to that. What's needed in a marriage is tolerance and understanding. If the person I love enjoys her work, I don't think I would oppose."

Ines spent the afternoon pondering Ethan's words, feeling quite pleased. As usual, Ethan came to pick her up from work and cooked her favorite dishes for dinner. Her appetite was unusually strong, and she felt she made up for her small lunch.

Just as they were about to finish dinner, Ethan suddenly announced, "Izzy, I have to go on a business trip for a few days."

Ines paused, feeling the food was suddenly hard to swallow. She asked in a daze, "So sudden, when are you leaving? How long will you be gone?"

"10 o'clock tonight with flight, probably a week." Ethan said.

Seeing that it was already 8 o'clock, with only two hours left before the flight, she immediately put down her cutlery, "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" The guy had the nerve to cook dinner and eat with her as if nothing was happening.

"It's not a big deal, no rush." To him, business trips were routine.

"Did you pack your luggage?" Ines asked.

Ethan's eyes brightened, then shook his head, "Not yet." NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.

Ines gave him a glare, then got up to retrieve a silver suitcase from the storage room. She started packing his clothes in the bedroom. Ethan followed her in, lazily leaning on the bed, watching the woman bustling about in the walk-in closet, a smile curving on his lips. Ines was used to packing for

her business trips, so she was efficient. In just over ten minutes, she had packed everything, and while zipping up the suitcase, she said, "London's pretty humid and windy at this time. I've put two wool sweaters inside. You can wear them under your suit. And the scarves, they're useful as long as it's not too formal." As Ines rambled on, she looked every bit the dutiful wife. Ethan couldn't help but get up and hug her from behind. Her soft body was irresistible, and smelling the soft rose scent from her hair, he had the urge to cancel his trip.

Perhaps because they were about to part, Ines felt a bit down. She leaned into his embrace, "Ethan, did you hear everything I just said?"

"Sure thing. Having a wife really makes a difference." He laughed softly, resting his chin on her neck. He always disliked chatty women, but at that moment, his wife's nagging felt like the most wonderful melody.

Ines's cheeks flushed, even her ears turning pink. Despite their nightly cuddles, they were usually in the dark. This was one of the rare times under bright light. Seeing her shy reaction, Ethan gently kissed her earlobe, causing her to shudder. Taking advantage of this, Ethan started nibbling her ear, and Ines, unable to resist, moaned softly, "Ethan..."

Just then, the phone rang. "Damn it." Ethan cursed under his breath, then gruffly answered, "What is it?"

Lucas, who was already waiting outside, was startled. He carefully replied, "Sir, it's time to head to the airport."

"Got it." Ethan said.

Ines had already risen while Ethan was on the phone. She quickly straightened her clothes and felt uncomfortably hot.

Ethan looked at her with a smile, his eyes full of reluctance and fondness. Feeling his gaze, Ines pushed him slightly, "Hurry up, don't keep Lucas waiting."

"I really don't want to leave." Ethan held on to Ines, unwilling to let go.

Ines had never seen this side of Ethan before, he seemed a bit childish. She found it amusing and managed to pry his hands off her waist, urging him, "Come on." Ines accompanied Ethan downstairs, where Lucas and the driver were already waiting. As she watched the car slowly drive off, she suddenly felt a prickling sensation in her eyes.