Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 161

But things didn't go as she expected. She thought Noel would blow his top, but instead, he just kept his cool, wiping off his face with a tissue from the box, completely unfazed by the glares from others. He stared at Phoebe, "If you've got more tricks up your sleeve, bring it on."

"Noel, don't you have any shame?" Phoebe glared at Noel, disgusted by his calm demeanour, feeling helpless against his relentless pursuit.

"Can shame feed me or get me a wife? Not having a wife is the real issue." Noel said solemnly, looking at Phoebe with conviction.

Ines couldn't help but chuckle at Noel's audacity. She wouldn't believe it if she didn't see it with her own eyes. She could already predict the outcome between Noel and Phoebe – they would soon become a pair of lovebirds who enjoy bickering.

"Why are you so fixated on me when there are so many other women out there?" Phoebe was fuming, her chest rising and falling with each breath. She had no idea why she had to deal with a man with skin thicker than a city wall. It was utterly bad luck.

"Because I've found that you're the only one who's right for me." Noel said, referring to their matching backgrounds and her personality, which he found appealing.

"I can introduce some to you." Phoebe was grinding her teeth in anger. Her workplace was teeming with female editors, mostly old maids.

"But I'm only interested in you now."

"Noel, have you had enough fun?" Phoebe suddenly raised her voice.

Noel was startled by a rare sight. He reigned in his smile and explained earnestly, "Phoebe, I'm not messing around. I'm not one of those young kids, I'm already thirty, I've had my fun, now I'm ready

to settle down."

"Just because you're ready to settle down, why do I have to suffer?" Phoebe remained unyielding, completely dismissing Noel's sincerity.

Noel was almost begging for mercy, looking to Ines for help. "Ines, tell me, how do I deal with someone as stubborn as her who isn't willing to give me a chance?"

Ines didn't know what to say. She saw Phoebe picking up her bag and heading out. She quickly gave Noel a meaningful look, signalling him to follow. Noel immediately ran after her.

Watching them leave one after another, Ines thought that Phoebe's stubbornness was just what Noel needed to handle. She wasn't worried about Phoebe at all, and went to settle the bill after having her fill.

Ethan came to pick up Ines soon after, "Why did it end so soon? Where's Phoebe?"

"She got pissed off by Noel and left. Noel went after her."

"Noel really takes his time, he's been at it for so long and still hasn't won Phoebe over."

Ines gave him a shove, "Don't always think you're so great. It's just that I have good taste and chose you."

Ethan laughed and checked the time. It was still early. The bridal photography studio called them several times to tell them that their wedding photos were ready.

They went to the studio to pick up the retouched photos.

The photos were simply perfect, without a single flaw.

The photographer had selected the two best photos and enlarged them into framed pictures to be hung.

Although Ethan wasn't grinning, his smile was charming. She looked just as stunning in her wedding dress standing in front of him.

"Izzy, let's hang these photos up."

"Where should we hang them?"

Ethan thought for a moment, "How about on the wall above our bed? We can also put one in the living room."

"I don't think we should put one in the living room, it feels a bit odd." Ines disagreed.

"Those who come to our house are all close friends and family. It's okay for them to see."

Ethan was adamant, and Ines had no choice but to agree. By the time they finished hanging up the photos, it was already past 10 pm. Ethan had a flight at 6 am the next morning for a business trip.

Ines thoughtfully packed his luggage for him, and they went to bed after washing up.

The next day. Since there was no rush, Ethan dropped Ines off at the Military before leaving.

By the time he left, it was already bright outside. Erica Meyer and Phillip were having breakfast. They were surprised to see Ines, "Izzy, when did you get here? We didn't know." All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

"Ethan had a business trip this morning. He dropped me off."

"Well, sit down and have breakfast. Erica and I just started eating."

Despite the hearty breakfast, Ines didn't have much appetite because she hadn't had a good rest in the morning.

Seeing this, Phillip felt sorry for her and blamed his grandson. "Izzy must not have had a good rest. Ethan shouldn't have taken you here so early. He could have had the driver pick you up in the morning, so you wouldn't be so tired."

Ines smiled, "It's my fault for not being able to sleep, not his."

Erica gave Ines a knowing look. As a woman of experience, she immediately understood, "It's really Ethan's fault, leaving Izzy to sleep alone. They must've gotten used to sleeping together, and it must feel strange without one another."

Embarrassed by Erica's straightforwardness, Ines blushed and tried to explain, "Mom, it's not like that. I think it's because I had a few cups of coffee while working yesterday."

"So that's why. That little rascal, always on business trips." Phillip grumbled, clearly believing Erica's explanation.

Ines's cheeks turned even redder. She hadn't expected Erica to be so observant and see right through her.

Erica smiled knowingly, "There's nothing to be shy about. Your dad and I were the same when we were young. I was busy running the company, spending most of my time in the city, and your dad was always on the move, either training or on a mission. We rarely got to see each other, and when we did, it was always short-lived. When we got used to being together, we had to part again. I had trouble sleeping during those days too, and getting used to this lifestyle took me a long time."