Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 108

Ines was taken aback, then lowered her head and apologized, "I’m sorry, Mom."

Erica shook her head. "Kid, this ain't your fault. Beasley was a soldier, he just did what a soldier should do."

"Izzy, we Meyers are a military family, no one knows better about the duty of a soldier than me. We'd rather they live a peaceful life than die as heroes too soon." Erica said.

Ines's heart started beating fast. She understood Erica's perspective all too well, but what she feared more was what Erica might say next. Seeing this, Erica couldn't help but chuckle. "Izzy, don't freak out. I just want to chat about what's on my mind. Usually, I don't have anyone to talk to about this. I wouldn’t dare to talk about this to your grandfather and father. In their eyes, ideals and beliefs are above all else."

Erica continued, "Izzy, I consider you family, which is why I'm telling you all this. It's been a long time since everything happened, and I've come to terms with it. I've lost one son; I can't afford to lose another. Even if I break you and Ethan up, it won't bring his brother back. Ethan has finally moved on from his past and found someone he genuinely likes. He can't handle another loss."

No wonder Erica thought Ines looked familiar when she first visited, it was because they had met in the hospital years ago. Back then, Erica was nearly broken from the loss of her son. She wanted to see who had put her son in that state, but when she saw Ines with her head wrapped in bandages, tubes all over her body, and her pale face in the ICU, she felt sympathy.

Looking back, it was all fate. She saved her other son.

Ines looked at Erica emotionally, "You're a great mother." Truly a woman who considered her son's needs.

Erica shook her head, "Izzy, if you feel guilty, just be extra good to Ethan, okay?"

Ines nodded, "I will."

Erica patted her shoulder, "Let's put this behind us. No matter what the truth of the accident is, don't mention it anymore. Just live a good life with Ethan."

"What about Dad and Grandpa?" Ines asked.

"We discussed this before you guys came back. We all agreed on this." Erica said with a smile.

Hearing this, Ines couldn't help but burst into tears. Erica wiped her tears and said, "Don't cry. If Ethan sees this, he might think I've been hard on you."

Ines quickly wiped her tears. Seeing this, Erica chuckled.

Ines blushed, but still asked the question lingering in her mind, "Mom, what exactly did Ethan go through? Why did he break up with his ex-girlfriend? Was it because of betrayal?"