Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 508

“What’s wrong, darling? You don’t recognize your own husband after just two weeks?” Ethan’s slightly roughened fingers gently caressed Ines’ delicate cheek.

“Jerk.”

A term of endearment didn’t follow. Instead, she met him with a curse and a flurry of fists. Ines rose to her feet, wrapping her arms around Ethan’s slim waist, hitting, kicking, venting all her frustration on him. Why did he make her wait so long? Didn’t he know how hard it had been for her? She felt like she was at her breaking point.

Ines was so emotional that she didn’t notice the momentary stiffness in Ethan’s back. With a gentle expression and a faint smile, Ethan took all her fury and resentment in silence. His large hands, like hers, were tightly gripping her waist.

In that moment, he felt a profound sense of relief. He finally had his beloved woman back in his arms. What could be more perfect than this?

Ines continued her barrage of hits and curses, but she wasn’t good at this. It all boiled down to a few harmless words, “Jerk. Stupid Ethan.”

Ethan chuckled, holding her clenched fist against his heart. Feeling his strong and steady heartbeat, Ines broke down. Her tears were flooding out. It was not the tiny sobs of the morning, but a full-blown wail.

She had missed his heartbeat, his embrace so much. For the first time, she let go of her pride, crying unashamedly in front of Ethan.

Ethan also felt heartbroken. He fumbled around, trying to wipe her tears away, patting her back, “Izzy, don’t cry. I’m back.”

Ines didn’t reply, but wrapped her arms tightly around Ethan. She cried her heart out, staining his shirt with tears and snot. She seemed to have held it in for too long and now, finding a familiar comfort, she let it all out.

Ethan had only seen Ines like this once before, and that was after Hunter’s death. She was a woman who usually held back her tears, and often cried silently or hid herself to weep alone.

Ethan didn’t say anything more. He just held her tighter, his silent way to tell her that he was really back.

For a while, they just held each other in silence, relishing in the warmth of reunion. After what seemed like an eternity, Ines finally spoke with a hoarse voice, “Ethan.”

“I’m here, Izzy.”

“Ethan.”

“Izzy, I’m back.”

Every time Ines called his name, Ethan answered patiently and attentively. His eyes were filled with the tenderness and adoration that could melt anything away.

Suddenly, Ines’ stomach growled.

Ethan couldn’t help but chuckle. There was a playful light dancing in his eyes. “Babe, is that a joke?”

“No joke, Ethan. I’m serious.” Ines glared at Ethan. Her stance was a mixture of sternness and determination.

Ethan didn’t want to tell her, but seeing her like this, he knew he couldn’t avoid the truth. He tried to make it sound less severe. “Izzy, after I fell into the river, I was washed up in a nameless village. I was injured and bedridden for almost two weeks. As soon as I woke up, I found my way out and rushed back to see you. I’m sorry I’m late and made you wait.”

At his words, Ines froze. Her face paled. An injury that required two weeks of bed rest must have been serious. “Ethan, where were you hurt?” Ines asked anxiously, moving to undress him to check his wounds.

Ethan dodged her hands, pulling them away. He knew this would happen. “Izzy, I’m fine now. All better.”

“Liar. I don’t believe you. I need to see your wounds.” Ines glared at Ethan stubbornly, and Ethan didn’t know what to say.

“Izzy, it was just a minor external injury. It’s almost healed now. How else could I have come back to you?”

Ines fell silent. Her dark eyes were fixed on Ethan. A veil of unshed tears was shimmering within them, portraying a picture of vulnerability.

Seeing her like this, Ethan could only raise his hands in surrender. Ines was becoming more and more cunning. Knowing full well that he couldn’t bear to see her upset, she deliberately used her tears as a weapon to soften his heart. She was a cheeky little thing. Olivine was just like her, picking up all her tricks.