Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 287

After the trial, Ethan and Ines didn't bolt right out of there. They hung around until most of the crowd cleared out before making their exit. At the door, Lionel was waiting for them. Seeing Ethan being all protective around Ines, he had a warm smile on his face. "Ethan, you've got quite the guts. I've been in the industry for a bunch of years, but I've never had a debate with so many lawyers before."

Ethan grinned and introduced Lionel to Ines, "Izzy, meet Mr. Lionel."

Ines smiled at Lionel and said, "Mr. Lionel, I'm Ines. I'm really bothering you these days. Thank you very much. I'm really grateful."

Lionel chuckled, "Thanks to all the drama, you've become a big shot in A City. Everybody knows your name. Some people even found the courage to step up because of you. I found this whole experience. I find it pretty meaningful. When Ethan first told me what he was planning, I was gobsmacked."

Ines looked a bit awkward. Ethan took over and said, "Mr. Lionel, you should pop over to ours sometime. My grandpa hasn't seen you in a long while. He was talking about you the other day."

Lionel replied, "Sure, but make sure your dad's not around. I can't handle his jealousy. He's been guarding me like a watchdog all these years."

Ethan laughed and agreed. Lionel then glanced at Ines' belly, "How far along are you? Your mom mentioned it not too long ago, but it wasn't that noticeable then. Now it's pretty obvious."

Ines answered, "I'm over four months along. Since it's twins, I'm showing sooner than most moms-to-be."

Upon hearing this, Lionel chuckled and gave Ethan a friendly pat on the shoulder, "You lucky boy, you're gonna be a dad soon. All your mom's worries were for nothing. You sure work fast, getting hitched and having kids in just over a year."

Ethan responded, "You're too kind, Mr. Lionel."

After some chit-chat, Ethan took Ines home. Erica Meyer was packing up, now that things at the Galeana Group were pretty much under control, Ethan needed to return to the Meyer Group. Erica felt relieved and was preparing to go back to the Meyer Mansion.

Ines couldn't help but ask, "Mom, are you heading back to the Meyer Mansion now? It's getting pretty late."

Erica replied, "Yes, I'm used to staying at the Meyer Mansion. I can't get used to this house of yours. I don't know anybody around here." All Ines could do was laugh, "Mom, I just found out today that Mr. Lionel had a thing for you when he was younger. He seems like a decent guy, gentlemanly. Did you ever like him?"

"Aaron, I told you, I study psychology. I can see right through you if you don't hide your feelings well enough. I saw you at the trial, but it wasn't the right time to say hi. You were sitting somewhere at the back, quite a distance from Ines, but you kept glancing at her. If you like her, why not go for it?" Silvia said seriously.

At first, she thought Aaron was looking at Ethan, but then she realized she was actually looking at Ines.

Aaron calmly said, "She's already married. Do you think I still stand a chance?" Silvia was silent for a moment before saying, "I'm fair and unbiased. The human heart is a mystery. Like you and Ethan, you both loved my sister back then, but things changed. Life is long. Why let a fleeting moment blind you and give up completely? You already missed my sister. Why miss the one you love again? If you love someone, you should fight for them. Even a child knows that." After a pause, Silvia continued, "I've seen a lot of cases like this abroad. Couples deeply in love split up after a few years and start new families. At first, I thought they were heartless, but after seeing it many times, I understood. I don't oppose it."

Aaron studied Silvia for a moment. He found that he couldn't comprehend her at all. She was no longer the happy-go-lucky little girl she used to be. It was as though she was hiding all her true emotions. "Silvia, you've probably been abroad for too long. Your views have been influenced. Even if I still have feelings for Ines, I won't do anything. Ethan is my good buddy, and they're expecting. I won't ruin their family. Don't bring this up again," Aaron said sternly.

"I got it, Aaron. Why so serious? I'm a psychologist at the hospital now, and I like saying things that cheer people up when they're feeling down. Just take it as me talking nonsense," Silvia said.

Aaron chuckled lightly, not taking it too seriously, "Silvia, you've really stepped up your game over the years, becoming a shrink at such a young age." "It's all for making ends meet," Silvia replied, looking slightly down.