Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared) novel Chapter 884

Alyssa grew up with countless friends, but deep down, only Julia held the golden ticket to her heart.

That all got knotted up when Alyssa fell head over heels for Michael. Her feelings for Julia turned into a tangled mess of hurt and guilt.

So she pulled some strings, got her daddy to work some magic, and landed Julia a shot at the big screen with a top-notch director. Alyssa thought that might patch things up.

Except, she wasn't really trying to mend fences; she just wanted to ease the sting gnawing at her conscience.

But she never saw the breakup with Julia coming. It hit her like a ton of bricks, almost as hard as when Michael gave her the cold shoulder the first time she poured her heart out.

Irritation and embarrassment bubbled up inside Alyssa like a shaken soda can. Next thing, she's chucking her bracelet into the trash can with a dramatic flair, "Fine, forget it, Julia. You really think I saw you as a friend? In my eyes, you were nothing but a small-town bumpkin."

Alyssa used the most vicious words to hurt Julia. She didn't know why she lashed out like that. Maybe it was just the pain talking.

From that day on, Alyssa was completely hostile to Julia. Everyone around Alyssa sensed that change.

Alyssa found ways to make Julia's life a living hell. And whenever she did, Michael would show up, like some twisted knight in shining armor.

Alyssa made a deal with Michael. She said that she would never pester him again as long as he attended her birthday party as a date.

Michael agreed.

But Alyssa also invited Julia, who showed up only to catch Michael all dolled up for the occasion. Julia took off, but Michael was stuck, bound by his word.