Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 506

Emma swiftly noticed what was going on and immediately gathered Jasmine from Aiden’s arms. Her face was stern. “Jasmine, you’re getting more and more out of hand.”

“Emma, it’s fine. She’s just a child. Don’t scold her. I’m okay,” Aiden interjected.

Upon hearing his voice, Jasmine glanced at him briefly before averting her gaze. Emma shot Aiden a fierce glare, and then took Jasmine’s hand to examine. The little girl’s nails had grown out without being noticed. Eda fetched a nail clipper, and Emma started trimming Jasmine’s nails one by one. Feeling the stinging pain on his face, Aiden thought it was time to apply some ointment, or he wouldn’t be able to go to work the next day. He got up to leave, turning towards Emma before departing. “Emma, I’ll try to be a better father. I’ll come to see Jasmine whenever I have time. The dresses on the sofa are for her. They should look pretty on her.”

Emma didn’t look up. “That’s your business. You decide. You don’t have to tell me.”

Seeing that no one was willing to engage with him, Aiden could only leave in frustration. As soon as he left, Eda couldn’t help but laugh. She poked Jasmine’s nose and said, “Well done, little one. That man once hurt your mom. You scratching his face is like taking revenge for your mother.”

Emma pursed her lips at Eda, disapproving. “Eda, don’t say such things to Jasmine. It’s not good for her.”

Eda shrugged it off. “Relax, she’s too young to understand. Once she gets older, I won’t say such things in front of her.”

Emma kissed the little girl’s forehead. “Little one, you’re quite spirited. You helped mommy get rid of him.” That was a big favor.

Jasmine wriggled in Emma’s arms and slowly closed her eyes.

“She eats and sleeps, just like a little pig,” Emma said.

...

Jacob’s words had an effect on Ines. Every time she thought of working overtime, she couldn’t help but recall what Jacob had said. In the end, she could only pack her things and prepare to go home.

Silas couldn’t help but smile. “Izzy, leaving work early today?”

Ines nodded. “I’ve been working late recently, and the kids are mostly asleep when I get home. I want to go home early today and spend some time with them.”

Silas patted her shoulder. “That’s good thinking, Izzy. I’ve been worried seeing you like this, but I didn’t know how to talk to you about it. It’s good that you’re figuring it out.”

“Silas, do you all think Ethan isn’t coming back?” Ines asked calmly. Silas didn’t know how to answer, so he changed the subject. “Izzy, don’t overthink things. Go home and have dinner with everyone. They’re all worried about you.”

“I know you’re all not as confident as before. It’s been over ten days. But I’m telling you, I have a feeling that Ethan is alive. He will come back. Our family of four will be reunited,” Ines said earnestly.

“I finished work early today, so I came back early.”

Everyone knew the real reason but didn’t expose her. Erica continued, “You don’t have to work so much in the future. Ivy and Ollie wait for you to come back every day.”

“I know, mom. I’ll balance my work and home life better in the future. I’ll try to spend more time with the kids.”

“That’s good,” Erica replied.

After feeding the children, Ines returned to the dinner table. Everyone was still there, waiting for her. They each placed food in her bowl until it was piled high. It reminded Ines of the first time Ethan brought her home and how nervous she was to meet his family. Everyone was so kind and welcoming that she quickly felt at ease.

“Izzy, if you can’t finish all this, just leave it,” Erica said, noticing Ines’ faint smile and wondering what she was thinking.

The Meyer family had a strict no-leftovers rule, which was something Ines was acutely aware of. She didn’t want to be the exception to this rule. “No, Mom, I was just reminiscing about my first time here. You treated me the same way then.”

Upon hearing this, the family fell silent, but Ines simply started to tuck into her food with gusto. “Eating fresh is always better. Reheated food just doesn’t taste the same.” Erica, seated next to her, instinctively reached out to smooth Ines’ hair. She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out.