Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 496

“Ethan is a boy who honors his word, so he’ll definitely come back.”

It was not easy to calm Ines down. Trenton’s emotions were not as relaxed as he sounded when he looked at the rushing river.

The soldiers had been searching along the river for two hours, but there was still no sign. The weather was not hot. After being soaked in cold water all night, everyone was shivering from the cold.

Then, a soldier couldn’t help but say, “Captain, we can’t just search him here. With the river so swift, if he fell in, he might’ve been swept somewhere else by now. We should put more forces downstream.”

Trenton sighed and made a call to bring more people in, expanding the search area.

That was when Erica called. Trenton glanced at the caller number, and hesitated to answer, but the phone kept ringing. He finally picked up, saying directly, “Erica, we haven’t found Ethan yet.”

Erica, much calmer than before, paused for a moment then said, “I understand, Trenton. Take care of Izzy. She can’t afford to go through any more of this now.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle everything here.”

After hanging up, Erica held Olivine and paced back and forth. The little girl seemed to know her father was in trouble. She was crying and no one could soothe her.

Camela, with her red eyes, looked at the little girl in Erica’s arms, but couldn’t say a word.

Phillip held Ollie in his arms, who was much quieter. He curled up in Phillip’s arms, never crying or making a fuss, acting like a good boy for once.

The rain had stopped at some point during the night, and the sun shone brightly. Ines was blinded by the light. Her ears were still filled with the despairing words.

“Not found.”

“Nothing here too.”

“Captain, no signs.”

...

Ines’ sorrow grew like wild weeds in her eyes. She stood silently by the river, like a statue about to turn to stone. No one knew what she was thinking. Her mind was in chaos, and her body was unsteady. She slowly fell into darkness.

As soon as Aaron and Noel heard the news, they rushed over. They saw the light in Ines’ eyes fading. Then her eyes were closed.

Aaron, startled, quickly went to her side, steadying her when she swayed. Ines collapsed into his arms, unconscious. Ines’ clothes were soaked after a night in the rain. Even with a raincoat on, she looked miserable. Her hands were covered in mud, and her face was swollen from crying. It was clear how much she had suffered that night.

Seeing her like this, Aaron felt a pang of heartache, but there was nothing he could do other than pat her face. “Izzy, are you okay? Can you wake up?”

Ines didn’t respond. Her eyes were tightly closed. She looked lifeless.

Aaron felt her forehead. She was burning up. Clearly, she had fallen unconscious due to a fever. “Trenton, Izzy has a fever. It doesn’t look good. We need to take her to the hospital right away.”

“Why should I cry? I’m fine. You’re hugging me too tightly. I can’t breathe.”

Ines tried to push Phoebe away, but the pain in her fingers made her gasp. Phoebe immediately straightened up and examined her fingers carefully. “I’m sorry, Izzy. I didn’t mean to.”

Ines smiled bitterly. “It’s okay. It’s not that painful.” Compared to the pain in her heart, the pain in her fingers was nothing.

“How can it not hurt? Your fingers are connected to your heart.”

Three days ago, when Phoebe saw Ines’ miserable fingers, she cried uncontrollably. How desperate she must have been to hurt her fingers like this?

“I’m really okay. Did I sleep for a long time? I feel so sore.”

“You had a high fever and were unconscious for three days. You spent the first day in the hospital. After you got better, we brought you home.”

“It’s been three days already.” Ines sighed, knowing full well that if there were any news about Ethan, she wouldn’t be seeing Phoebe in front of her, but Ethan himself.

“Izzy…” Phoebe started, wanting to inform her about the current situation, yet not knowing how to broach the subject.

“I feel like I need to stretch my legs. Maybe go for a walk downstairs.” Ines said as she rose to change her clothes. Her demeanor was no different than any other day. Watching her calm composure, Phoebe found herself at a loss for words.