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.”

about the whole day. It’s been a while since they last saw

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

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

day to change and shower,

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

came home as usual, and finding

the library for days 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 it off and walked out naked, planning to fetch her pajamas from the closet.

was dumbstruck the moment she stepped out

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

darted back into the bathroom, slamming

Then, silence.

hugged herself, her heart pounding like it was about

as red