Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 426

Ethan remained silent, so Phoebe took it as an admission. Unable to contain herself, she rushed forward, grabbing a tight hold of his shirt. Raising her voice, she exclaimed, “Just the other day, I was telling Izzy not to be mad at you, but now she’s lying here. You’re her husband. Why couldn’t you protect her? You’re never there when she needs you. Another car crash? It took her years to get over the last one. The trauma and damage from that still hasn’t completely healed. She was surely terrified and helpless. She’s not as strong as she seems. She’s actually quite timid.”

Due to their height difference, even in high heels, Phoebe had to stand on her tiptoes, slightly suspended in the air. Noel watched, and his temples were throbbing. If Ethan pushed back, she’d surely be flung away.

Ethan’s face was devoid of any expression. It was unclear what he was thinking. But this was the first time anyone had ever treated him like this.

Thinking this, Noel immediately stepped forward, pulling Phoebe back by the waist. “Calm down, Phoebe,” he said. “This isn’t Ethan’s fault. He’s in more pain than anyone right now. Don’t add salt to his wounds.”

“You men are all the same, siding with each other,” Phoebe retorted. “He’s in pain? What about Izzy? This is her second time in a car crash, and it’s worse than the last time. She’s so fragile, and she just had a baby not too long ago. How much more can she endure?”

Phoebe redirected her rage onto Noel. Her face was full of tears. She had only caught a brief glimpse of Izzy. Her body was riddled with tubes, devoid of any life. The shock was overwhelming.

Noel didn’t know how to respond. He just held Phoebe tightly, trying to keep her from causing any more trouble for Ethan.

Ethan seemed to be affected by Phoebe’s words. He swallowed hard. His voice came out raspy. “I’m sorry. I was negligent.”

“You should apologize to Izzy, not me,” Phoebe growled.

The doctor standing nearby frowned in displeasure, clearly annoyed by their bickering. Just as he was about to scold them, Erica gently tugged on his arm. “I’m sorry, doctor,” she said. “They won’t cause any more trouble. Just let them speak a bit longer. I promise they won’t disturb the patient’s rest.”

Erica sympathized with Ethan, but she also understood Phoebe wasn’t completely unreasonable. The doctor wanted to say more, but he held back at Erica’s assurance. Ashley didn’t intervene and just stood silently nearby.

“When Izzy recovers, I will apologize to her,” Ethan promised.

“Is an apology really enough?” Phoebe retorted. “Will it erase all the harm Izzy has suffered?”

“Phoebe, you should probably hold back a bit,” Noel quietly suggested.

Up close, Phoebe could see Ethan’s eyes were bloodshot and stubble had formed on his chin. His clothes were wrinkled and stained with blood. He looked utterly disheveled, which was a clear sign he hadn’t left Izzy’s side since the previous night.