Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)

Kerri had said something came up, and she didn't make it.

Now seeing Kerri, she looked as if she had lost a significant amount of weight.

Agnes, concerned, approached her, "Kerri, how have you been holding up lately?"

Kerri offered a weak smile, "I'm hanging in there, Agnes. I heard you went to Bronzetown Borough recently, glad to see you're safe and sound."

"What about Sprague Bradford?"

"Sprague's doing well," replied Kerri.

When Agnes mentioned Nocturne, she also shared Nocturne's status with Kerri.

Kerri sighed wistfully, "I just wish Nocturne would get better soon. Sprague's started school, and it would've been nice if Nocturne could've been his classmate." Agnes also sighed; she, too, wished that Nocturne could attend school like any other child.

The two women found themselves a cozy café to chat for a while.

Speaking of recent events, Kerri learned that Agnes was now living in a hotel.

Quick to offer support, she asked, "What about your family's estate?"

Agnes exhaled deeply, "That place doesn't belong to me anymore."

"But living in a hotel must be inconvenient. How about this-you come stay at my place. Maplewood Manor has been empty for a while anyway."

Kerri owned a house in Maplewood Manor, just a few doors down from where she used to live.

But what if Jared decided to stay at Maplewood Manor as well?

While Agnes was still hesitating, Kerri had already slipped the keys into her hand, "Just think of it as house-sitting for me. You don't have to be polite with me, right?"

Agnes bit her lip, "Kerri, thanks for helping me."

"It's you who's been helping me," Kerri returned.

Agnes couldn't help but ask with concern, "How are things with Brayden? Is Maisie Davies giving you a hard time?"

At the mention of this, a bitter smile flickered across Kerri's face.

"Brayden and I are getting by. Just have to tough it out for three years, then it'll all be behind me. As for Maisie, I just ignore her. She can't really do anything to me, and I think just being stuck with the Simonds family is punishment enough for her."

Agnes could tell that Kerri's life wasn't easy, even if she didn't say it outright.

But there was little Agnes could do to help. It was Kerri's choice, one she was willing to live with.

Leaving the café, Agnes returned to the hotel and checked out of her room.

By evening, she had moved into Maplewood Manor.

Kerri had been gone a long time, and the house was cloaked in dust.

Agnes cleaned the place thoroughly, working late into the night.

The following days were peaceful, and Agnes settled into life at Maplewood Manor, her routine simple and uneventful.

Meanwhile, Agnes received a gift box from Mamie, sent to the TV station where she worked.

Agnes arrived to find Ramona and Hans were all gathered around her desk.

"What's the buzz?" Agnes inquired, setting down her bag.

"Oh my gosh, boss, you actually got a wedding invite from Mamie, along with some treats and a gift. What's the deal between you and the diva Mamie anyway?" one of them exclaimed. Agnes looked down and indeed, there was Mamie's invitation.

She had known that Ivan and Mamie had gone abroad for a vacation. Despite all the skepticism and rumors they faced, they seemed to be enjoying life more freely now. Online, most people were happy for them.

As for the Bartley family, gossip had reached Agnes.

Rumors had it that there was a major feud brewing within the Bartley's second branch.