Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 501

“Jacob, what is Izzy thinking about?” Phillip sighed deeply. His complexion was pale. This was what he was most concerned about. It was the very reason he’d asked Jacob to have a talk with Izzy.

Nothing is more tragic in life than an elder seeing off a younger one. The older one gets, the deeper one understands this bitter truth. He knew Beasley was still alive, so he could laugh it off. But with Ethan missing for so many days, he couldn’t help but worry.

“Dad, these things take time to process, but I believe that my words today have struck a chord with Izzy. She’s an incredibly smart girl and knows the expectations we all have for her. I’m sure she knows the best course of action,” Jacob reassured him.

“Poor Izzy,” Phillip lamented.

Erica remained silent all this while. Trenton had been holding her hand tightly, lending her silent strength.

“Dad, Jacob, let’s eat. After dinner, everyone can go about their own business,” Trenton interrupted their conversation.

After casting a glance at Erica, they didn’t utter another word.

Silvia hadn’t returned to the hospital either. With the situation as it was, even if the hospital was willing to keep her, she couldn’t bear the judgmental stares. She handed in her resignation, which the hospital accepted without much fuss.

She returned to the small house she used to share with Leila. That place was her only refuge. Her parents were just ordinary wage earners and hadn’t left them with much savings. Her sister had just started working back then, and her salary during her probationary period was pitiful. Silvia was too young to work, so they struggled to make ends meet.

She persuaded her sister to sell their old house, and they moved into a two-bedroom apartment. Her sister didn’t know that the real reason for the move was that the old house held too many painful memories for Silvia.

Thinking of her sister, Silvia smiled. She changed her clothes and went out, buying ingredients for a stew at the supermarket. She came home and made the stew all by herself.

Her sister wasn’t a good cook, so whenever they craved something tasty, they’d make a stew at home. Her sister always said it was healthier to eat at home, but Silvia knew it was because they couldn’t afford to eat out.

Back then, Silvia never contradicted her sister, finding their life far better than when their parents were alive. Now, she understood that her sister was the only one who’d ever truly cared for her. Yet, she had ended her sister’s life with her own hands.

Silvia spent her days either at home or visiting places she and her sister used to go to.

She remembered her fourteenth birthday when her sister gave her a tablet. All her classmates had one, and she had always envied them.

Suddenly, a scene unfolded before her eyes. A woman covered a young girl’s eyes from behind and changed her voice, “Guess who?”

The young girl turned around, pouting, “Leila, you’ve been working for over two years. Can’t you stop being so childish? You always pull this stunt. Aren’t you tired of it?”

The woman pretended to poke the girl’s forehead sharply, but the pressure was light. “You little brat, you’re still so young, but you’re already calling me childish. Look at you, still in your school uniform.”

“I’m so happy! I love you so much.”

The girl’s clear voice lingered in her ears. Silvia’s vision blurred, and the tears streamed down her face. She sat in the middle of the square, sobbing uncontrollably and filled with despair. “Leila, I miss you so much. I’m sorry.”

People passed by, pausing only briefly to look at her. No one dared to approach her and speak. In the whole city, she was the only one who felt so lonely and desolate.

After crying her heart out, she stood up and walked home slowly. Under the neon lights, her shadow stretched out long.

When the police arrived at her door, she merely smiled, said nothing, and willingly put her hands in the handcuffs.

The two officers were puzzled by her demeanor. Usually, eight out of ten suspects would try to flee. If they didn’t, they would at least appear frantic. They had never encountered someone as calm as Silvia. She looked as if she had been waiting for them for a long time.

The officers exchanged a glance. One of them proceeded with the protocol, “Ms. Caldwell, you are under arrest for allegedly orchestrating an assault on Ms. Ines on March 21st last year, as per the relevant laws.”

Silvia pursed her lips, “I know. Let’s go.”

As the wailing of sirens filled the air, Silvia cast her gaze out the window. The familiar sights were receding in her view. The place she was heading held no fear for her. Instead, there was a surprising calm within her, as if she had been waiting for this day for a long time. Her lips moved in a silent prayer, whispering, “Ethan, I hope you come back safe. I’m finally letting you go.”