Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 497

Ines woke up, devoid of the anticipated emotional breakdown, not even shedding a single tear. It appeared that all her tears had been shed on that stormy night.

Downstairs, Ines took baby Olivine directly from Erica’s arms. The little girl stared blankly at her. Her eyelids were drooping, devoid of her usual vitality.

Ines lovingly kissed her small face. “Sweetie, you’ve been a handful these past few days. With your dad not around, there’s no one to spoil you. You’ll have to behave.”

Her words left a bitter taste in everyone’s heart. Erica’s eyes welled up with tears again, and she fell into Beasley’s arms.

“Ines, you’ve been unconscious for a while. Is there anything you’re craving?” Phillip asked.

Ines looked up. “Grandpa, my throat feels dry. I would like some light soup.”

At her words, Phillip’s face lit up, and he gave Camela a look. Camela promptly headed towards the kitchen.

Ines also noticed Beasley. His face was so similar to Ethan’s. Seeing him was like swallowing a bitter pill. She managed to croak out, “Beasley, you’re home.”

Beasley nodded. “Yes, I took a few days off from the army.” When he heard the news, he had been unable to sit still. The moment he received his mother’s call, his heart was in shreds, and he rushed home.

“Thanks for your concern, Beasley.” Before he could respond, Ines continued, “Don’t say anything. I know the situation. No news is already good news. The storm has passed, so the river should have receded by now. If Ethan is gone, his body will have surfaced by now. But three days have passed and no body has been found along the river. Therefore, Ethan must be alive. He was probably rescued, injured, and unable to return. When he recovers, he’ll come back.”

The word “body” made everyone extremely uncomfortable, but her analysis was exactly what they wanted to say to her.

Phoebe stared at Ines, knowing that every uttered syllable must be tearing her apart inside.

Erica moved forward to embrace Ines. “Ines, don’t bottle up your feelings. If you need to cry, come to me.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve already cried enough. Ethan wouldn’t want to see me in tears. I’ll pull myself together. By the way, how is Lucas doing?” Ines didn’t want everyone to dwell on the sadness, or cast a gloomy shadow over the house, so she changed the subject.