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.”

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. But when she

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

she was too tired, she caught

change and shower, then crash at

she was a bit of a chicken, but she really didn’t know how to face Jared. On the

Agnes came home as usual, and finding the coast clear, she dashed

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

she stepped out of

gaze fixed on the bathroom.

Agnes screamed, quickly turned around, and darted back

Then, silence.

heart pounding like it was about to

her body as red as a boiled