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.”

It’s been a while since they

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 seriously.

overnight in the library. When she was too tired, she caught some Z’s on the couch in the lounge.

days on end, she would sneak home during the day to change and shower, then crash at the library at night, all to avoid bumping into

of a chicken, but she really didn’t know how to

usual, and finding the coast clear,

on end, Agnes felt groggy and scatterbrained. After showering, she realized she 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

she was dumbstruck the moment she stepped out of

couch, his gaze fixed on the bathroom. He was also stunned when he saw Agnes walk out

and darted back into the bathroom, slamming the glass door

Then, silence.

was about to

could see herself in the bathroom mirror, her body as red as a boiled shrimp, her cheeks flushed like they were