Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel 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.

"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.