Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)

In front of Agnes, he had lost his composure countless times.

He had committed the kind of juvenile blunders that were exclusive to his teenage years.

But what had he gained from it?

Nothing but Agnes' increased disdain and distance.

Jared would say he was giving up, that he wished her well.

But deep down, only he knew he never truly wanted to let go, nor could he.

It seemed like her unique, subtle fragrance still lingered on his pillow.

It had a calming effect.

An inexplicable wave of sleepiness washed over him.

Jared closed his eyes and once again drifted off.

When he awoke, it was already nine o'clock.

He had never slept this late.

Back at his place, getting a full three hours of sleep was a blessing.

Even with the aid of sleeping pills, his sleep was troubled, haunted by nightmares.

But last night was different. He felt like he had slept for ages, his body finally taking the time to recuperate, as if slowly mending itself.

The exhaustion that had weighed on him seemed to be lifting. Jared's mind was clear.

But soon, his brow furrowed again.

If the only place he could find sleep was with her presence...

Then the rest of his life would be an endless torment.

He was thoroughly fed up with such days.

Jared stepped out of the room, and he found that Agnes hadn't left.

Instead, she was sitting on the living room couch with her laptop, seemingly working on an article.

Jared then remembered. It was the weekend, she didn't have to go to the TV station.

Hearing the noise from the bedroom, Agnes looked up and saw Jared standing at the doorway. "You're up," Agnes spoke. "I left some breakfast for you in the kitchen. Eat before you leave." Jared's eyebrows knitted together, she seemed eager to show him the door.

He went to the dining room. Indeed, a hearty breakfast awaited on the table, all to his old tastes. Jared didn't stand on ceremony, he served himself and began to eat at a leisurely pace. This was perhaps the most relaxed he had felt in days, all thanks to a good night's sleep.

He felt he needed to find a way. At the very least, to come here to sleep whenever necessary.

Agnes had also set her laptop aside and walked into the dining room.

She sat down opposite Jared.

Looking up, Jared asked casually, "Aren't you going to eat a little more?"

Agnes shook her head, "I've already eaten."

After sitting down, she handed over a phone, "I've deleted all your personal information. You can check it if you don't believe me."

Jared saw her passing the phone but didn't reach out to take it.

Instead, he continued eating, simply commenting, "This oatmeal is good."

Agnes frowned slightly. She couldn't quite fathom Jared's purpose.

Deciding to leave the matter be, she put the phone down, "I'll leave you the phone here. After you check it, please, Mr. Whitfield, see yourself out." Slowly placing his spoon down, Jared said, "I live here, and legally speaking, I don't think there's an issue, is there?"

Agnes turned, a look of disbelief on her face.

What did Jared mean by that? This was her house, what did he mean by saying there was no problem with him living here?

Moreover, it sounded like he was planning to stay?

Agnes demanded, "Jared, what are you trying to say."