Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 293

After taking a few photos, Ethan handed the camera over to Phoebe, who was sitting restlessly beside him. "Let me take some pictures of you and Izzy. We don't often come out to play, so let's not waste this opportunity," she said.

Ethan smiled slightly, "Thank you."

Ashley knew when to be playful and when to be quiet. Seeing Phoebe take the camera from Ethan, she understood her intentions and let go of Izzy.

Izzy was momentarily stunned, but Ethan had already embraced her from behind. As she inhaled his familiar scent, her lips involuntarily curved upwards, unable to express her satisfied emotions in words. She leaned back lightly against his body, a feeling of complete reliance and trust.

Ethan's large hand gently encircled her waist, and his usually cold facial features seemed especially gentle.

Phoebe understood Izzy very well and, seeing the curve of her lips, could somewhat guess at her emotions. She immediately pressed the shutter button, capturing the moment.

Although Ethan and Izzy hadn't intentionally posed for the photo, the sight of two people in love standing together, even with just a glance or a small movement, made for a heartwarming scene.

Phoebe, as the photographer, was a bit at a loss. She crouched, stood, and even lay down in various poses to take pictures of the couple. Enhanced by the incomparable natural scenery around them, the effect was surprisingly good.

Most men didn't like taking photos, but Ethan eventually came over to take a group photo.

Afterwards, they all sat together and chatted. Ashley looked through the photos on the camera and couldn't help but exclaim, "Looking at the photos I took, I realized how much of a difference there is

between me and Izzy. Izzy, why do you look even more lovely in my brother's arms when you're smiling?"

Ashley's words drew the attention of everyone present, and Izzy's face blushed slightly. "That's because Phoebe's photography skills are good," she said.

Phoebe's job sometimes required her to take photographs. Although she still had a ways to go compared to professional photographers, she was definitely better than Ethan, who was just an amateur.

Phoebe smiled but didn't say anything, and Ethan stroked Izzy's hair and said lightly, "It's okay, I'll improve slowly in the future."

Izzy's face grew even redder, and she pressed her whole face against Ethan's arm.

After taking the photos, they went straight up the mountain. The hot springs here were all natural, with pools halfway up the mountain and at the summit. The ones at the foot of the mountain were mostly public pools, which were quite large. Everyone was a bit peeved and didn't like too many people, so they went straight up the mountain.

During the weekends, there were always many people who came here to enjoy the hot springs. In the end, there were only three small pools left. The six of them had to share, two people per pool.

Ethan needed to keep an eye on Ines, so he naturally chose a pool. Noel originally wanted to share a pool with Phoebe, but both Phoebe and Ethan glared at him. He had no choice but to go find Aaron.

Ines couldn't help but laugh, feeling sorry for Noel. Most women would have given in by now, but he happened to meet Phoebe, a girl who liked to tease.

"What's the problem with Ethan? Why is he glaring at me? I'm not interested in Ines." Noel complained as he got out of the pool.

Aaron shook his head and patiently explained, "He's just guarding against me, not trusting me to take care of Ashley."

Noel suddenly understood and glared at Aaron, "So it was you messing around."

Aaron simply smiled and didn't answer.

Natural hot springs contained various trace elements such as sulfur and potassium, and people could add things like essential oils and milk according to personal preferences. Ethan considered Ines's special situation and chose a milk pool.

The water temperature was a bit high, and Ines wasn't used to it at first. After a while, she began to feel comfortable and leaned against the side of the pool with her eyes closed. Ethan took the opportunity to massage her calves, strictly timing it so that Ines got up after twenty minutes.

Although Ines wanted to continue enjoying the hot spring, she didn't dare to take risks with her unborn child. She got up and sat on the side, watching Ethan. Feeling a bit bored, she asked him to come over and gave him a towel to rest his head on while she massaged him.

Ethan closed his eyes slightly and whispered, "Izzy, it's so good to have you."

Ines's hand paused for a moment, and she smiled and said, "I feel the same way."

When she was single, she thought she could live a happy life alone, and happiness wasn't necessarily less than those who were married. Plus, with her parents' failed marriage as an example, she didn't have much faith in marriage.

So while the people around her were busy going on blind dates, she was still busy with work. If it weren't for her cousin's upcoming wedding, she wouldn't have taken this step. Let alone realized that there was someone she liked, someone so different from everyone else.

When they were heading down the mountain, it was still early, around 9 o'clock. Phoebe suggested that since they were all together, she had booked a private room and they could all go singing.

Since they were out for fun, no one would refuse such a proposal.

Ines didn't realize that a few people had unknowingly walked behind her, and she became the first person to enter the private room. When she pushed open the door, her attention was immediately drawn to the central birthday cake. Before she could turn around, the song "Happy Birthday" started playing behind her. All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

Ines turned around and saw everyone clapping and singing the birthday song together. Phoebe shoved a gift into her hand and hugged her tightly, "Izzy, happy birthday. Congratulations on getting one year older."

"Thank you." Ines lightly curved her lips.

Ashley playfully winked and handed her a blue gift box, "I didn't prepare a gift in advance, so it might be a bit rushed. I hope you don't mind."

Aaron also smiled and handed his gift to Ines. He said seriously, "Izzy, I thought I would miss your birthday this year, but luckily I still have this opportunity. Happy birthday, and may you always be happy."

"Ines, happy birthday. But if you can help me win Phoebe, I'll be even happier." Noel said.

Ashley complained to Noel with dissatisfaction, "Today is my sister-in-law's birthday. Your happiness is not something we need to consider."