Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 172

"That is fine; I didn't want to work at that firm anymore anyway. It also means I don't have to prepare a resignation letter. So, what are your plans now?" Ines asked.

"I really like being an auditor, I'm not giving up on this career. I think next, I'll probably start up my own firm," Aaron replied.

"You're going to start your own firm? Do you have any partners lined up?" Ines thought this was a great idea. This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

"I have two friends who are also interested. We haven't started talking yet. You're welcome to join us if you want," Aaron said with a laugh.

Ines thought for a moment. She decided to shift her focus to her personal life for the time being. She had several small matters at home that needed sorting out. Right now, she didn't have the energy to start a new firm with others, "I don't have the energy for this right now, but I'd be very happy if you could hold a spot for me."

"No problem, you can join us anytime. Just promise you won't look down on our little firm when the time comes."

"It doesn't matter how big or small the firm is, as long as we get to call the shots." This was a lesson she learned from EM. She'd rather be her own boss and decide what kind of business to take on, rather than working for someone else for the rest of her life.

They talked about work for a bit more, before Aaron suddenly asked, "Izzy, are you really happy with Ethan?"

Ines looked at Aaron seriously and replied, "Yes, I'm very happy with him."

"Then I know what to do." Aaron said with a bitter smile.

Even though he had made up his mind not to miss out on his loved ones again, hearing her murmuring in her sleep, "Ethan, don't worry, I'll be okay, I won't leave you." left him not knowing what to do. They haven't known each other for long, but they already had such deep feelings. He had no reason to stand between two people who genuinely loved each other.

After talking a little more, Aaron left the ward. Ethan was smoking around the corner. Aaron couldn't help but stop for a moment. He remembered that Ethan didn't have a smoking habit. Even under work pressure, he preferred coffee.

Aaron walked over and Ethan offered him a cigarette, "Fancy a smoke?"

Aaron took it naturally and Ethan lit it for him.

They smoked quietly for a while. They had once been the closest of friends, and it had been many years since they stood together in such silence, let alone chat.

"Feels like it's been ages since we had days like this." Aaron remarked.

Ethan nodded, "Yeah, it's been six or seven years. Ever since Leila and I got together, we've grown apart."

"I could never understand. We both loved Leila so deeply, but a few years later, we both fell in love with another woman. I often wondered if our love was not as deep as we thought. Otherwise, why would we forget about Leila?" Aaron said quietly.

Ethan had thought about this too, but he really couldn't explain it. Sometimes, someone just catches your attention unexpectedly, and you simply can't let go or overthink.

"I don't know. All I know is that the moment I saw her, I wanted to hold onto her tightly." Ethan said expressionlessly.

"Ethan." Aaron called his name, a name he hadn't uttered in a long time.

"Hmm?" Ethan paused and looked at Aaron.

"Do you know why, after working with Ines for so many years, I never expressed my feelings?"

Ethan shook his head, "It's not that I didn't want to, but I could never clearly tell if she was Ines or Leila. They both made me feel the same. I didn't want to just drag her into my life. It wouldn't be fair to her. And a major reason is that I never wanted to admit that I had forgotten Leila so quickly. It would make my past persistence seem like a joke."

Ethan paused, then said, "Aaron, you're overthinking. She really is Ines. She's only slightly similar to Leila."

"I know she's Ines. I saw her back before. She was with Leila. The moment she came to B's company, I recognized her. I decided to help her out of sympathy for what she went through. I never expected to fall for her." If he had known it would come to this, he would never have helped her.

"So you both met her, and I'm the only one who hasn't." Ethan couldn't help but sigh.

"I've figured it out, Ethan. I'm willing to bless you guys." Aaron said suddenly.

Ethan was taken aback, looking at Aaron in disbelief. He knew Aaron had come back for Ines and was prepared for a long struggle. He didn't expect Aaron to give up so quickly.

"Why?"

"Because Ines only loves you. If I continued, it would only make her more upset. Once I take a step to compete with you, I might not even have a chance to greet her."

Aaron paused, then said, "At this point, I don't blame anyone but myself, for not being as decisive as you. I had such a good opportunity and didn't appreciate it."

Ethan patted him on the shoulder and smiled, "I always knew you'd come around. I just didn't expect it to happen so soon."

Aaron laughed and the two bumped chests, just like old times.

"Thank you for saving Izzy."

"It's what I should do." Aaron replied.

Men aren't as open about their feelings as women. But once they say it, there's no turning back.

When the two entered the ward, Ines immediately noticed a change in their atmosphere. They seemed closer, and she couldn't help asking, "Did you guys make up?"

The two men looked at each other and smiled, nodding in unison.

Ines couldn't help but smile, "Looks like my accident had some use after all, if I had known..."

Before Ines could even finish her sentence, the sharp gazes from the two guys swept over, forcing her to obediently shut her trap. But then, she caught a whiff of smoke, "You both smoked?"

Both of them chuckled and nodded. Ines spoke up, "Since you guys have officially made up today, I'll let this smoke thing slide. Ethan, if you're going to smoke next time, don't even think about getting near me. I can't stand the smell of smoke."

Ethan just laughed and shook his head, "Alright, whatever you say, Mrs. Meyer."