Heartstrings on Fire

Chapter 69

Agnes bolted out of the Century Building and headed back to school. She holed up in the library till late, since she was free in the afternoon.

Jared shot her a text: “When are you coming home?”

Agnes stared at her phone for a moment but didn’t respond.

Soon, Jared called, his voice deep and resonant from the other end: “Got class tonight?”

Agnes answered, “I’ve got a journalism project on my plate, so I’m a bit swamped.”

“When will you be done?”

“I’m not sure, you should hit the sack; don’t wait up for me.”

they last saw each other, and Agnes missed him.

Agnes was not satisfied with his explanation, and she realized she barely knew Jared. Their marriage was initially a farce,

too tired, she caught some

would sneak home during the day to change and shower,

didn’t know

came home as usual, and finding the coast clear, she dashed for the shower.

groggy and scatterbrained. After showering, she realized she had forgotten to bring a change of clothes. This wasn’t the first time, but the

she stepped

the bathroom. He was also stunned when he saw

quickly turned around, and darted back into the bathroom, slamming the glass door shut.

Then, silence.

herself, her heart pounding like it was about to leap out of

herself in the bathroom mirror, her body as red as a