Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared) novel Chapter 869

Even though Alyssa was young back then, she was incredibly prideful.

She would barely nibble at her meal, but she would never admit to being too broke to eat out.

Julia said with a laugh, "The only thing you seem to like in the cafeteria is this stir-fried beef. Of course, I'd get you extra. It's not like they serve it every day. Whatever you don't eat, I’ll have it."

Alyssa felt a sweet warmth inside.

True to form, whenever stir-fried beef was on the menu, Julia would slide her own portion onto Alyssa’s plate.

And then, the broccoli and carrots—Alyssa's least favorite—would end up on Julia’s plate.

Alyssa contentedly relished this special favoritism, never giving it a second thought at the time.

That afternoon, they had a performance exam. Disaster struck when Alyssa twisted her ankle during the exam. She and Julia were in the same group. Julia could have continued without her, but she didn’t. She stopped and carried Alyssa to the nurse's office instead.

In the nurse’s office, Alyssa began to sob uncontrollably.

"Why didn’t you keep going? Do you realize how important this audition was for you?" Alyssa cried. "Lester is such a big-time director, and it was the first time he was scouting at our school. Do you have any idea what an opportunity you've missed? With your looks, you were a shoo-in!"

Alyssa was consumed with guilt, feeling like she had held Julia back.

Julia was the belle of the school, and Lester was a renowned director with international accolades. The audition for new talent for his upcoming movie "Timeless Blossoms" was an incredible opportunity for any student.