Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)

Chapter 9

Agnes wrapped up her internship at The Tim Group and was all set for the new semester.

The day before school started, Laura gave her a ring, Inviting her over for dinner.

Once a big shot in showbiz, Laura was now Agnes' stepmother. Agnes' mom passed away when she was 12, and to her surprise, her dad got hitched to Laura just six

months later.

Her father, a gentle and loving man in her memory, had always taken care of her mother, especially when she was sick.

Agnes didn't oppose her father remarrying, but what she couldn't stomach was that Laura brought along a daughter, Beatrice. Only two years younger than Agnes, Beatrice was also her father's biological daughter.

This clearly indicated that her dad had been playing outside his marriage for years. It wasn't until Agnes grew up that she found out that her father's affair with Laura was an open secret in their circle. Jared knocked off work early that day and found Agnes packing when he got home.

"I'm heading back home tonight, and I'm taking my luggage with me. I'll head straight to school tomorrow and won't be back," Agnes told Jared.

"Do you want me to tag along?" asked Jared.

"No need, I can handle it. My dad doesn't know I'm hitched," Agnes quickly responded.

"What if I go as your "boyfriend"?" Jared suggested.

"Even worse, they don't know I've broken up with Elton," Agnes replied.

"When do you plan to spill the beans?" Jared asked casually.

Agnes thought for a moment, "I'll tell them tonight. Elton and I are history."

Seeing Agnes' determined look, Jared couldn't help but smile. He then handed her a key, "Here's your gift."

"What's this for?" Agnes asked, looking at the key in surprise.

"It's the key to Maplewood Manor. It's not far from your school, so you can move in after school starts," Jared explained.

Maplewood Manor was a garden villa owned by Jared. Agnes had been there once. It was a typical rich-people's neighborhood with great privacy. Many celebrities lived

there.

"I plan to stay in the dorm," Agnes said.

"Then what about me?" Jared asked.

"You're moving in too?" Agnes looked surprised.

"Agnes, you're a married woman now. I'm fit as a fiddle and full of energy. I don't plan on living separately," Jared replied.

Agnes' face turned beet red. Living with Jared for three months had been the boldest thing she had ever done. Jared spent half his time away on business trips, but when he was home, things always heated up between them. Agnes was no match for Jared's charm.

Agnes' cheeks were flushed; she looked adorable. Jared couldn't resist kissing her. Agnes was a rookie when it came to kissing, she didn't even know how to breathe properly. She was always defenseless against Jared's advances.

Jared had already unbuttoned Agnes' shirt. Suddenly, Agnes snapped back to reality. She stopped his wandering hands and gasped, "Not now. I'm about to leave."

Agnes knew that once he got started, he wouldn't stop for at least an hour. More importantly, she would not even have the energy to walk afterwards.

Jared didn't get what he wanted, so he left a hickey on Agnes' neck. He then buried his face in her neck, calming himself down. In a husky voice, he said, "I'm going to take a shower, then I'll drive you home."