Heartstrings on Fire

Chapter 828

“Don’t say another word, but brace yourself. I’m not giving up yet, and I’ll snatch you away from your uncle’s side whenever I get the chance,” Ryder said, his voice a mix of determination and frustration. With that, he spun on his heel and strode away from the balcony.

Agnes let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the world seeming to settle on her shoulders.

Things were getting messier by the minute.

She had made herself clear to Ryder, time and time again. For years, Agnes had managed to keep him at arm’s length, but his persistence was becoming a real cause for concern.

She lingered on the balcony, nursing a glass of red wine, trying to steady her thoughts.

Then Jared appeared. He draped his jacket over Agnes‘ shoulders, his presence always so reassuring. “What’s on your mind out here?”

her voice soft but earnest, ‘Jared, no matter what, I

paused, surprised by the sudden declaration “Why

got a bad feeling, that’s

up our family, you hear?” The next day was a day off, a small respite from the chaos. To Agnes surprise, she found an invitation from her alma mater

keen on going. But then she learned it was Amelia who had organized it. Amelia, her former dormmate from freshman year, was a bit of a brainiac and now the head of the alumni events

for far too long. Since their parting in the Capital, Agnes had worried about

afternoon, Agnes tried calling Kerri again and, to her astonishment, the call connected. As they talked, Agnes sensed something was off Pressing for answers, Kerri suddenly burst

are you?” Agnes

back in town, living in Maplewood Manor, just a stone’s throw away from Agnes. Without a second thought, Agnes rushed over When she arrived, she found Kerri furiously cleaning the house. Kerri shared a particular quirk with Agnes – When stress or worry gnawed at her, she’d turn to cleaning as a solace.