Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 206

While the two were having a pleasant chat, Ethan barged in, grinning, "What's the big secret, you guys seem to be having fun."

Ashley chuckled, "Why on earth would a big guy like you care about girl talk, bro? Were you eavesdropping outside the door?"

"Give me some credit. I wouldn't be interested in your girly chit-chat," Ethan ruffled Ashley's hair in amusement.

Ines sighed in relief hearing Ethan's words.

A glare shot from Ashley's eyes towards him. As she was about to rise, Ethan gently pressed her back into her seat, "Stay, I have queries." Her recent evasion of his calls had not gone unnoticed.

"Bro, if it's about love advice you're after, don't bother. I'm not spilling anything." Ashley made to leave again.

"Ashley, stay put. If you storm out now, I'll spill your secrets to everyone at home," Ethan's tone went cold.

Defeated, Ashley slumped back onto the bed, "Why are you always threatening me, bro? Even your own sister isn't safe from your strictness." She was just harboring a crush and didn't want her family to find out.

Ethan cut to the chase, "How have things been with Aaron lately?"

"Bro, you know Aaron's personality. He's not exactly Mr. Affectionate. We haven't even talked recently," Ashley responded, despondent.

"Really?" Ethan asked skeptically.

"Really. If I'm lying, may I never get married." Ashley retorted, growing irritated.

Ines couldn't help but tug at Ethan's arm, "Ethan, you're always busy with work and worrying about me and your unborn child. Now you're fixated on Ashley too. Take a break, will you?"

"Izzy," Ethan frowned at Ines, he didn't like her taking Ashley's side.

"I know you mean well, but we can't control these things," Ines tried to reason.

Ethan sighed, glancing between the two before huffing, "I didn't realize you two were so chummy now."

"Bro, I've been saying since Izzy came back that I wanted to get closer to her. You all just thought I was joking."

Ethan shot her a glare before storming out of the room. Ashley chuckled, "Let's go, Izzy. He probably came to call us down to join everyone. They're likely about to start a card game."

Downstairs, Erica, Lauren, and Silvia were already seated, waiting for one more player.

"Ashley, did you upset your brother again? He didn't look too happy," Lauren looked up at her daughter, smiling.

"Why is it always me? Maybe Izzy upset him," Ashley replied, sounding wronged.

"When has your brother ever been upset at Izzy?" Lauren countered.

Ashley was at a loss for words, "Whatever, I'm already the black sheep here. Say what you want."

Silvia had been silent, her face changing at Lauren's words.

"Izzy, Ashley, who wants to play? We're short one person," Erica interrupted.

"Let Izzy play. I'm broke," Ashley said.

Ines wasn't very good at cards, and without Ethan by her side to guide her, she felt nervous.

Ashley seemed to know what she was thinking, calling out to Ethan, "Bro, your wife needs your help here. Otherwise, Izzy's going to lose for sure." This text is © NôvelDrama/.Org.

Erica shot Ashley a disapproving look, "Ashley, don't scream. Last time Izzy was the biggest winner. She won most of your money and you're still helping her."

At Ashley's summoning, Ethan, Jacob Meyer, and Trenton Meyer joined the gathering. Phillip, following an unspoken ritual, stationed himself behind Silvia.

Ines was having a bad luck streak, losing three rounds in a row. The biggest winner turned out to be Silvia. Ashley shot Phillip a disgruntled look, "Grandpa, are you playing favorites? When you were coaching me, I lost horribly. But when it's Silvia's turn, she's winning all the time."

"You dare to bring up that embarrassing loss? That's just your bad luck," Phillip grumbled.

Suddenly, Ashley turned to Silvia, "Silvia, you should take advantage of your good luck today and win some for Izzy. They're about to get married and there are a lot of expenses coming up."

Ines had known about Ashley's plan all along, so when she said this, she watched Silvia's reaction carefully. Silvia's face stiffened, but it was only for a moment before she regained her usual composure.

"So Izzy and Ethan are getting married, huh? Guess I better seize the opportunity today, or I'll be in a tight spot later," Silvia maintained her usual cheerful expression.

"Ethan, Izzy, how come we didn't hear about this from you?" Erica asked.

Ethan couldn't help but give Ashley a light knock on the head, his tone somewhat grim, "Why do you to spill the beans?"

"You're planning a wedding and not telling your family. What were you thinking?" Ashley shot back.

Ines thought Ashley really had a knack for drama. She had completely controlled the conversation. If Ethan didn't clarify, Erica and their grandpa would definitely misunderstand him. As expected, both Erica and their grandpa gave Ethan disapproving looks. Erica said sternly, "Ethan, what's going on? Didn't I tell you I'd take care of everything for your wedding with Izzy? You've been keeping this from us. What are you trying to pull?"