Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared) novel Chapter 856

Nocturne had been spending the last couple of days at the Comfort Oasis Retirement Home, keeping his great-grandmother company.

Once Agnes clocked out from her shift, she immediately drove to the nursing home. She dined with her grandmother, and after tucking her grandmother into bed, she picked up Nocturne and headed home.

By the time Agnes arrived at Maplewood Manor, it was quite late. Truthfully, she had delayed her return on purpose.

The sprawling villa felt hollow without Jared’s presence. Once, she might not have minded. There was a certain charm in leaving a light on, patiently waiting for a loved one’s return—like a scene from an old romantic movie. But those sentiments had faded.

Sitting alone, waiting, Agnes couldn’t help but wonder if Jared was out there, swirling a glass of cabernet with Valeria, gazing over the city skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. She found it impossible not to think, not to care.

So she lingered elsewhere until later.

But unexpectedly, Jared was still out when she got back.

The disappointment gripped her like cold hands trying to snatch her soul, a relentless tug at her heartstrings.

What had changed? Agnes couldn’t quite grasp it.

Eventually, Jared did return. He found Agnes standing in the doorway of their bedroom. They locked eyes briefly before he averted his gaze.

"Back already?" Agnes asked, her voice betraying a hint of weariness.

Jared just grunted an acknowledgment before heading into the room.

As he passed by, Agnes caught the unmistakable scent of red wine. Again with the wine.