Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared) novel Chapter 878

Julia suddenly spoke up, "Michael, I don't hate you. In fact, I'm really grateful to you."

She had always felt she never properly thanked Michael.

At her words, Michael was momentarily taken aback. Everyone called him 'the troublemaker,' but Julia was the only one who called him by his real name. He hadn't expected her to know it, let alone call him that, and a wave of joy washed over him.

After she spoke, Julia looked down and continued walking forward.

From that day forward, Michael no longer followed behind her; instead, they walked side by side. As time went on, they found themselves conversing and sharing their thoughts more frequently.

Thinking back on everything, Julia felt a gentle warmth inside.

Breaking into a smile, Julia said, "Come on, tonight I'll cook up some steak and potatoes for you."

"You're the best, babe. You know that's just my kind of meal."

Alyssa spotted the pair from afar, chatting and laughing as they approached. Her heart was torn between happiness and struggle. She kept telling herself she was just there to take a quick look. She couldn't and wouldn't interfere with Julia and Michael's relationship. Just a glance was enough to satisfy her.

That evening, the rain had stopped.

Julia's mom had gone out of her way to prepare a feast of hearty country dishes.

Julia's mom said, "Eat up, Alyssa, you're a lady of fine upbringing, so I'm not sure if our simple fare will suit your taste."

Julia's home was modest, but it was spotless, every detail meticulously cared for. The table was old and worn, but polished smooth over time, as if it had been waxed.

Alyssa took a bite of the pot roast and exclaimed, "This is the best pot roast I've ever had. Our cook back home can't hold a candle to you."

She was speaking from the heart. Country cooking had a charm all its own.