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.”

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 recalled Jared’s cozy moment with

barely knew Jared. Their marriage was initially a farce, but

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

the day to change and shower,

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

and finding the coast clear, she dashed

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

moment she stepped out

on the couch, his gaze fixed on the bathroom. He was also stunned when he

Agnes screamed, quickly turned around, and darted back into the bathroom, slamming the glass door

Then, silence.

hugged herself, her heart pounding like it was about to leap

could see herself in the bathroom mirror, her body as red as