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.”

felt a pang of regret. Truth be told, Jared was all she could think about the whole day. It’s been a while since 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, but Agnes found herself taking it

she was too tired,

change and shower, then crash at the library at night, all to avoid bumping into Jared.

she really didn’t know how to face Jared. On the

as usual, and finding the coast clear, she dashed

had forgotten to bring a change of clothes. This wasn’t the first time, but the house was empty and the bedroom curtains were drawn tight. She shrugged it off

dumbstruck the moment she stepped out

fixed on the bathroom.

quickly turned around, and darted back into the bathroom,

Then, silence.

like it was about to

bathroom mirror, her body as red as a boiled shrimp, her cheeks