Chapter 172
"That is fine; I didn''t want to work at that firm anymore anyway. It also means I don''t have to prepare
a resignation letter. So, what are your ns now?" Ines asked.
"I really like being an auditor, I''m not giving up on this career. I think next, I''ll probably start up my
own firm," Aaron replied.
"You''re going to start your own firm? Do you have any partners lined up?" Ines thought this was a
great idea.
"I have two friends who are also interested. We haven''t started talking yet. You''re wee to join
us if you want," Aaron said with augh.
Ines thought for a moment. She decided to shift her focus to her personal life for the time being.
She had several small matters at home that needed sorting out. Right now, she didn''t have the
energy to start a new firm with others, "I don''t have the energy for this right now, but I''d be very
happy if you could hold a spot for me."
"No problem, you can join us anytime. Just promise you won''t look down on our little firm when the
timees."
"It doesn''t matter how big or small the firm is, as long as we get to call the shots." This was a lesson
she learned from EM. She''d rather be her own boss and decide what kind of business to take on,
rather than working for someone else for the rest of her life.
They talked about work for a bit more, before Aaron suddenly asked, "Izzy, are you really happy
with Ethan?"
Ines looked at Aaron seriously and replied, "Yes, I''m very happy with him."
"Then I know what to do." Aaron said with a bitter smile.
Even though he had made up his mind not to miss out on his loved ones again, hearing her
murmuring in her sleep, "Ethan, don''t worry, I''ll be okay, I won''t leave you." left him not knowing
what to do. They haven''t known each other for long, but they already had such deep feelings. He
had no reason to stand between two people who genuinely loved each other.
After talking a little more, Aaron left the ward. Ethan was smoking around the corner. Aaron couldn''t
help but stop for a moment. He remembered that Ethan didn''t have a smoking habit. Even under
work pressure, he preferred coffee.
Aaron walked over and Ethan offered him a cigarette, "Fancy a smoke?"
Aaron took it naturally and Ethan lit it for him.
They smoked quietly for a while. They had once been the closest of friends, and it had been many
years since they stood together in such silence, let alone chat.
"Feels like it''s been ages since we had days like this." Aaron remarked.
Ethan nodded, "Yeah, it''s been six or seven years. Ever since Le and I got together, we''ve grown
apart."
"I could never understand. We both loved Le so deeply, but a few yearster, we both fell in love
with another woman. I often wondered if our love was not as deep as we thought. Otherwise, why
would we forget about Le?" Aaron said quietly.
Ethan had thought about this too, but he really couldn''t exin it. Sometimes, someone just catches
your attention unexpectedly, and you simply can''t let go or overthink.
"I don''t know. All I know is that the moment I saw her, I wanted to hold onto her tightly." Ethan said
expressionlessly.
"Ethan." Aaron called his name, a name he hadn''t uttered in a long time.
"Hmm?" Ethan paused and looked at Aaron.
"Do you know why, after working with Ines for so many years, I never expressed my feelings?"
Ethan shook his head, "It''s not that I didn''t want to, but I could never clearly tell if she was Ines or
Le. They both made me feel the same. I didn''t want to just drag her into my life. It wouldn''t be fair
to her. And a major reason is that I never wanted to admit that I had forgotten Le so quickly. It
would make my past persistence seem like a joke."
Ethan paused, then said, "Aaron, you''re overthinking. She really is Ines. She''s only slightly simr to
Le."
"I know she''s Ines. I saw her back before. She was with Le. The moment she came to B''s
company, I recognized her. I decided to help her out of sympathy for what she went through. I never
expected to fall for her." If he had known it woulde to this, he would never have helped her.
"So you both met her, and I''m the only one who hasn''t." Ethan couldn''t help but sigh.
"I''ve figured it out, Ethan. I''m willing to bless you guys." Aaron said suddenly.
Ethan was taken aback, looking at Aaron in disbelief. He knew Aaron hade back for Ines and
was prepared for a long struggle. He didn''t expect Aaron to give up so quickly.
"Why?"
"Because Ines only loves you. If I continued, it would only make her more upset. Once I take a step
topete with you, I might not even have a chance to greet her."
Aaron paused, then said, "At this point, I don''t me anyone but myself, for not being as decisive
as you. I had such a good opportunity and didn''t appreciate it."
Ethan patted him on the shoulder and smiled, "I always knew you''de around. I just didn''t
expect it to happen so soon."
Aaronughed and the two bumped chests, just like old times.
"Thank you for saving Izzy."
"It''s what I should do." Aaron replied.
Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
Men aren''t as open about their feelings as women. But once they say it, there''s no turning back.
When the two entered the ward, Ines immediately noticed a change in their atmosphere. They
seemed closer, and she couldn''t help asking, "Did you guys make up?"
The two men looked at each other and smiled, nodding in unison.
Ines couldn''t help but smile, "Looks like my ident had some use after all, if I had known..."
Before Ines could even finish her sentence, the sharp gazes from the two guys swept over, forcing
her to obediently shut her trap. But then, she caught a whiff of smoke, "You both smoked?"
Both of them chuckled and nodded. Ines spoke up, "Since you guys have officially made up today,
I''ll let this smoke thing slide. Ethan, if you''re going to smoke next time, don''t even think about
getting near me. I can''t stand the smell of smoke."
Ethan justughed and shook his head, "Alright, whatever you say, Mrs. Meyer."