BOOKSDRAMA Chapter 510
This sight was a shocking one for Ethan. While he was adrift in the river, he was consumed with worry. He couldn’t help but think about how pitiful his
Izzy and their child would be without him, so he gritted his teeth and fought to survive.
He was actually rescued three days later. During that time, he had a high fever that wouldn’t subside. The rescuers almost gave up on him, but he
held on, driven by his longing for his wife and children. His condition gradually improved. He had no intention of ever telling Ines about these details.
Ethan found himself tearing up. His sharp-eyed daughter noticed him and paused for a while. Then she suddenly shouted, “Dada, Dada.”
Ethan smiled, bending down to scoop her up and hoist her high above his head. She giggled, kicking her legs merrily. His son also looked up at Ethan
with a pitiful expression. Ines quickly picked him up too, nestling him into Ethan’s arms. Ethan held one child in each arm.
Ollie pursed his lips in happiness, and then shyly planted a wet kiss on Ethan’s face. Ethan was taken aback. This was the first time his son had ever
initiated a kiss. So he returned it, kissing his little boy’s cheek.
Seeing her father’s attention diverted to her brother, Ivy also planted a kiss on Ethan’s face. The three of them burst into laughter.
Watching them, Ines felt a deep sense of contentment.
“Alright, come in. Everyone’s waiting for you,” Erica said, blinking back tears.
Ines led the way inside. Erica placed her hand on Ines’ shoulder, giving it a gentle pat. “Now you can finally put your mind at ease and look forward to
being a bride.”
Ines thought about her recent stubbornness and impulsiveness. With a sudden lack of inhibition, she hugged Erica in front of everyone. Erica paused,
patting Ines’ head. “What’s gotten into you?”
forgot that Ethan is your son too. I ran away from it all, leaving you to worry and take care of the kids. I feel terrible,” Ines said emotionally.
The near-loss of Ethan had made her realize many things. You can never predict what will happen in the next moment, so it’s important to say what’s
on your mind while you still can. She regretted not telling Ethan “I love you” more often.
Erica took this all in stride. “Silly child, you gave me a scare. I thought something was wrong. As a mother, I understand your feelings. I have no
objections to your deep feelings for my son. Besides, Ivy and Ollie are not just your children. They’re also part of the Meyer family. It’s only natural for
us to take care of them. Don’t think too much about it. Families are supposed to be understanding and patient with each other.”
Ines nodded emphatically. “Yes, but I still want to thank you.”
“What a silly girl,” Erica chuckled, shaking her head.
Ethan entered, carrying his two little ones. They were quite restless in his arms. Ines couldn’t help but scold them, “Olivine, Oliverio, be good. Your
daddy’s not fully recovered yet. He can’t handle your rough play.”
Both children seemed to understand, and immediately they settled down a bit in their father’s arms.
Erica’s expression changed at the mention of Ethan’s injury. “Ethan’s hurt? It’s been half a month and he’s still not well?”
Ines didn’t want Erica to worry, so she reassured her, “Don’t worry, mom. I took him to the hospital this afternoon. Ethan just has some superficial
injuries that got a bit infected. He’s had an antibiotic shot, and the doctor gave him some medicine. It’s nothing serious. He didn’t need to be
hospitalized.”
Hearing this from Ines, who cared for Ethan deeply, Erica didn’t press the matter further.
When Ethan entered, all eyes were on him. He smiled at everyone, saying, “I’m sorry for making you all worry. I’m back safe and sound.”
It was the first time the family had gathered for a meal since Ethan’s ordeal. Each of them had been silently suffering, especially Jacob, who was
wracked with guilt and remorse.
Olivine was particularly attached to Ethan. Having been separated from him for a long time, she refused to leave his lap even at mealtime. Ines
pinched her nose and said jokingly, “You’re such a drama queen, Olivine. I wonder who you inherited that from?”
Everyone laughed at Ines’ comment. Ashley noticed Oliverio pouting at the sight of Olivine and Ethan, so she picked him up onto her lap, saying,
“Ollie, don’t be jealous. Let your soft and cuddly aunt Ashley hold you.”
The whole family looked at the little boy, who had a pathetic look on his face. The sight made the old man laugh. “Izzy, both your kids are drama
queens. Neither of them takes after you.”
As the room was filled with laughter, Ashley suddenly asked, “Ethan, when are you and Ines getting married?”
“Next month, on the 12th.”
“That’s next month! Ines, I’m calling dibs on being a bridesmaid,” Ashley declared, laughing.
Ines knew exactly what Ashley was up to. She was looking for an excuse to meet with Aaron. So Ines played along, “That’s fine. I need two
bridesmaids anyway, you and Phoebe.”
“That’s great! Ethan, you better pick a handsome groomsman for me. I won’t settle for an ugly one,” Ashley said, half-jokingly.
Ethan gave Ashley a look, knowing she was playing games. “That depends on my mood,” he replied.
“Bro, honestly, I feel like I’m stating the obvious. Even if I didn’t bring it up, you’d definitely pick the handsome guys. You wouldn’t want to lose dignity
with an ugly one, would you?” Ashley winked at Ethan playfully.
However, she was not worried at all. Ethan’s two best buddies, Noel and Aaron, would definitely be his groomsmen when he tied the knot.
Upon hearing this, Jacob couldn’t sit still anymore. “Ashley, you’re supposed to be a bridesmaid, not on the hunt for handsome guys. Let’s save that
for after graduation.” Ashley shook her head in exasperation, with a faint look of disdain on her face. “So old-fashioned? Mom’s been nagging me
about this forever. You’re the only one who is conservative.”