Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 1004

"Agnes, I've got something on my mind I need to ask you."

"Go ahead."

"What are we, Agnes? In your eyes, what are we right now?"

Agnes paused for a moment, the words not coming easily. "At best, I guess we're still friends, Jared."

"Friends? Is that all I am to you? Then why come over today? Agnes, are you just feeling sorry for me?"

Agnes stood up, her resolve hardening. "Then I should leave, Jared. Take care of yourself, please."

Without another word, Agnes turned to leave.

Jared, frustration boiling over, threw his bowl against the wall.

But just as Agnes reached the front door, Jared caught up with her, desperation in his grip. "Even if it's pity, stay. It's too quiet here on my own, so quiet it's unbearable."

Agnes saw the plea in Jared's eyes, and her heart ached for him.

"I'll stay," she relented. "But Jared, you have to promise me you'll try to get back on your feet. I really can't stand to see you hiding away like this."

Jared had been like this for a while now.

Ever since that night at the Capital Serenity Hall, Agnes had sensed something was off.

And it seemed to be getting worse.

Jared, for all his intelligence, seemed trapped by his own demons.

"I promise, Agnes. I'll do anything you ask."

"Then promise me you'll go back to work tomorrow."

Agnes remained silent, considering.

"Stay with me for three months, help me through my insomnia, and I'll give you the Pritchard family's old mansion back, no strings attached," Jared offered.

Agnes was visibly moved.

"Don't you want your parents' house back? They worked hard for that place. It's designed by your father, and your mother chose every plant in that garden. Some of those trees were planted by her hands."

Jared was right. That house was a labor of love by her parents.

The decision to mortgage it had been made out of sheer desperation.

And had Agnes known anyone but Ivan was involved, she would never have agreed.

Now, Jared's proposition stirred something in her.