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

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

she was too tired, she caught some Z’s on

would sneak home during the day to change and shower, then crash at the library at night, all to avoid bumping

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

and finding the coast clear, she dashed for the shower.

wasn’t the first time, but the house was empty and the bedroom curtains were drawn tight. She shrugged it off and walked out naked,

dumbstruck the moment she

the bathroom. He was also stunned when he saw Agnes walk out naked.

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

Then, silence.

pounding like it was about to leap

red as a boiled shrimp,