Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared) novel Chapter 860

Jared hadn't left the hospital. He had just stepped out onto the balcony.

Lighting up a cigarette, he suddenly remembered the hospital's no-smoking policy and reluctantly snuffed it out.

Jared stood there, his fingers clenched tightly around the extinguished butt.

His heart ached so fiercely he wished he could rip it out and crush it to pieces. Maybe then the pain would stop.

As a man, he felt like an utter failure. He had managed to hold on to Agnes, but her heart was no longer fully his.

He had convinced himself that Agnes' conservative views would keep her from jumping into anything with Ryder, but that was exactly the problem.

Agnes' restraint with Ryder was born of societal expectations, not passion.

Ryder, however, was not the type to give up. If he managed to break down that barrier one day, their connection might prove to be much deeper than what he and Agnes had.

At the end of the day, he was bothered by the bond between Agnes and Ryder.

But Ryder was also Nocturne’s doctor, which made the situation all the more frustrating.

Agnes had been by Nocturne’s side ever since the incident. Nocturne had woken up around six o'clock, looking frail and burning up with fever.

Upon seeing him awake, Agnes rushed over. "Summer, how are you feeling?"

"Mommy, my head hurts."

Agnes stroked his hair. "I know, sweetie. Just bear with it for a little while; you'll feel better soon."

But Agnes wasn't sure when Nocturne would actually get better.

His condition had the entire pediatric ward at a loss. Even Ryder couldn't give a straight answer.

Nocturne might recover after stopping the medication, or his condition might worsen significantly.

Agnes spoke softly, "I made some dumplings for you, your favorite. Are you hungry?"