Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 209

Erica has always been a sharp cookie. She wasn't entirely sure if Ashley was spot on, but her words hit home. The young girl had been single for years, which raised some eyebrows. So, she nudged Ethan, "Ethan, I think Ashley's onto something. I didn't want to be a helicopter mom before you tied the knot, but now that you're hitched, and with Silvia being a special case, you need to think about Izzy's feelings too, don't step on her toes."

Lauren chimed in, "I second that. You can't be hanging out with Silvia like the good old days, you need to tread lightly."

Ethan acknowledged their concern with a nod and an easy smile, "Mom, Auntie, fear not, I've got this well in hand." He knew how to navigate these waters. Since Silvia's return, Lucas had been his go-to for managing her affairs. Their worry was unfounded.

Seeing them take her advice, Ashley was over the moon.

Ines was out like a light and didn't wake up until Ethan called her name way too many times. She was a bit miffed, turned over, and hit the hay again, completely ignoring Ethan.

Watching her cute face, Ethan whispered, "Izzy, time to grub, you've been sawing logs for too long, you'll be counting sheep tonight."

Ines begrudgingly opened her eyes and complained to Ethan, "I don't feel so hot, quit bugging me."

Hearing this, Ethan couldn't help but knit his brows, "What's wrong?"

Ines clammed up.

"Izzy, you gotta tell me what's wrong, or it might affect our little bun in the oven."

Ines immediately said, "Just a bit of chest tightness." Hearing this, Ethan let out a sigh of relief, "You can tell me these things straight up. It's no biggie, I've read about this, it's totally normal."

Ines looked at Ethan in surprise, "How do you know so much?" Just a few days ago, he was as clueless as her, how did he learn so much in such a short time?

Ethan pinched her face and hummed, "It's those boring things you were talking about before, I've been hitting the books recently."

Ines wrapped her arms around his neck and laughed, "Then keep cracking the books, with you around, I can rest easy."

Ethan slipped his hand under Ines's pajamas and placed it on her stomach, he gave a small smile and whispered, "Did you hear that, girl? Your mom's a lazybones, she's not up to snuff, your dad's the one who's got your back, you should get chummy with dad once you're born."

Ines didn't want to argue with Ethan's strong desire for a daughter, "Ethan, you're so annoying."

Ethan didn't pay any mind and continued, "See, your mom doesn't want to deal with dad anymore, you should get close to dad ASAP, so dad will protect you in the future."

"Ethan, don't overstep," Ines warned, her teeth gritting in mild annoyance. "Your little princess is still nestled in my womb; for now, she's obliged to heed my word." Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Just then, laughter echoed from outside the door. Erica and Ashley were standing there, their eyes filled with amusement. Obviously, they heard their conversation.

"Ethan, Izzy, dinner's ready. You guys didn't come down, so I came to get you." Erica explained earnestly.

Erica was in high spirits. If she hadn't come up, she wouldn't have known that her usually calm son had this side to him. He was even more excited than most soon-to-be dads.

"Brother, Ines, I've never seen you guys fight before, but now I know, your future fights will definitely be about the little princess who hasn't been born yet." Ashley teased.

Compared to Ines's embarrassment and shyness, Ethan didn't care one bit. They were in front of their family, they didn't do anything wrong, there was nothing to worry about communicating with their unborn child.

After Erica and Ashley left, Ines couldn't help but throw a punch at Ethan's chest, "Why didn't you close the door?"

Ethan caught Ines's fist with a smile, "It's no big deal, let's just say it's a heads up for them, so they won't be shocked in the future. This kind of thing will be a common sight after my daughter is born."

Once they got downstairs, everyone was already seated. They seemed to be chatting about something, their faces all full of smiles.

Ashley said, "Brother, Ines, I thought you were going to have a longer chat with my niece, how come you came down so quickly? Did you ask her if she's hungry? What she wants to eat?"

Lauren shook her head with a laugh, "Ashley, pipe down. Wait until you have kids, let's see if your brother will let you off the hook."

Ines didn't need to think to know that Ashley had already spilled the beans about what happened just now. She lowered her head in embarrassment. Ethan shot Ashley a warning glance, "Say another word, and your secrets will be an open book."

Hearing this, Ashley shut up and quietly ate her food.

Phillip was very interested, "What secret does your brother know about you?"

“I'm not telling you.” Ashley whispered.

“You're becoming less and less like a kid, you won't even tell me anything.” Phillip grumbled discontentedly, feeling a bit upset.

The Meyer family saw Ines's shy expression and quickly changed the subject. After a while, Ethan suddenly asked Grandpa and Trenton, “Grandpa, Dad, did you guys really investigate my brother's car accident?”