Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 449

Even though he knew everything Ines said was the truth, Noel couldn’t shake off his worries. After spending so much time together, he had come to realize that Phoebe wasn’t as tough as she appeared. Underneath her exterior, she was fragile, even clueless at times.

Ethan, noticing Noel’s desolate state, gave his buddy a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Everything will be fine. Noel, why don’t you take care of your business first? I’ll try to reach Phoebe again. The moment I hear from her, I’ll let you know.”

He couldn’t get any more information, so Noel had no choice but to leave. Ethan followed him out.

Erica watched Noel’s retreating figure, laughing lightly. “I never thought I’d see the day when Noel turnes into a hopeless romantic. Poor Beasley, no hope for him now.”

She truly admired Phoebe’s personality. Her dull eldest son would benefit from being with a lively and quirky girl like Phoebe. It would make his life more interesting. But it seemed futile now.

Hearing Erica’s comment, Ines chuckled. “Mom, Beasley will find someone he loves. Don’t worry too much.”

“He is not with me now, so my worries are in vain.”

Ines simply laughed, and then headed upstairs. She made another attempt to call Phoebe, but her phone was still switched off. Left with no choice, she left a voicemail, hinting at a threat subtly. “Phoebe, if you get this message, call me back. You can’t just disappear without a word. Everyone’s worried about you. What’s more frustrating is, you didn’t even tell me in advance. If you don’t call me back, we won’t be friends any more.”

After leaving the message for Phoebe, Ines tried calling her mom, Meg, but she didn’t mention Phoebe’s absence from A City. She subtly asked around, but Meg was not aware either. Phoebe had told them she was going on a business trip.

After hanging up, Ines felt a twinge of unease. She couldn’t help but wonder what kind of trouble Phoebe had gotten into.

It wasn’t until the third day that Phoebe finally called back. The moment Ines picked up, she snapped, “Phoebe, what on earth are you doing in Aelston? You’ve got everyone worried sick. Noel is going mad looking for you.”

There was a prolonged silence on the other end of the line. After what seemed like forever, Phoebe’s hoarse voice finally came through, “Ines, he might not make it.”

“Who?”

Phoebe didn’t answer directly. Instead, she said, “I used to hate him for leaving without a word, for not giving me any explanations. But seeing him lying there lifeless, it hurts.”

Ines’ heart skipped a beat. She instantly understood who Phoebe was referring to. No wonder she left without telling Noel. The issue of an ex-boyfriend and a current one was indeed sensitive. No man could easily accept his girlfriend visiting her ex.

“What happened? I thought he was fine.”

“Ines, he was never okay. He’s been suffering for years. It was this disease that drove him away from me. It’s leukemia.” Phoebe’s voice was heavy with fatigue and despair. It was clear that she hadn’t been sleeping well these past few days.

“Ines, I’m really confused right now. I don’t know how to tell him about this. Do what you think is best.” Phoebe didn’t have the energy to deal with all of this at the moment. She still hadn’t recovered from the shock.

“Phoebe, this is not the time for you to be confused. If you truly love Noel and want to spend your future with him, you should tell him about this. If he truly loves you, he’ll give you time to sort this out and will stand by your side.”

Phoebe closed her eyes briefly. She knew for certain that she had fallen for Noel. She wasn’t cold-hearted. Noel’s persistence and companionship had gradually opened her heart. But thinking of his mother, she couldn’t help but waver. And now, seeing the man she couldn’t let go of lying in bed, she felt like she was suffocating. She didn’t know what to do.

“Ines, can you tell him for me? I don’t want to call him myself right now.”

Ines could understand Phoebe’s feelings. With so many sudden changes, she needed time to adjust. “Okay, I’ll tell him for you. Take care of yourself over there. Don’t make us worry. Actually, I think I’ll join you. Send me your address.”

Phoebe felt her throat tight with anxiety. Her voice was barely above a whisper. “Izzy, don’t come, please. You just recovered. Traveling now isn’t the best for your health. Don’t worry about me. I’ll take care of myself. After a few days here, I’ll be back home, right on time for work. There’s not much I can do here anyway.”

“Well, are you sure you’re okay?”

“Mhm.” After ending the call with Phoebe, Ines immediately dialed Noel. As soon as he picked up, Noel exclaimed excitedly, “Ines, did Phoebe contact you?” He had just called Phoebe and found her phone was finally on, but it was engaged in another call.