Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared) novel Chapter 912

When did Jared's standards hit rock bottom? Or was it that he relished the tangled web of more-than-friendship feelings with Valeria?

Every time Agnes raised an issue, Jared would deflect, dragging her relationship with Ryder into the fray.

Agnes was done explaining. Communication between them had broken down completely.

Rubbing her temples, Agnes sighed, "Jared, I'm exhausted. Can we not fight right now?"

Jared, pressing the issue in a rare display of aggression, shot back, "Looks to me like you’re feeling guilty."

That was the last straw for Agnes. She exploded.

"Guilty? Yeah, Jared, I'm guilty. Guilty for even considering going down this road again after four years. I'm filled with regret and, honestly, I'm relieved we didn't get remarried. Everything between us has been a nightmare. From now on, I won't question your life, and I expect you to stay out of mine. We're done. That's it."

With those words, Agnes turned on her heel and left. Unbeknownst to them, Mamie and Ivan were in the diner, ears practically pressed against the glass, listening in.

Their hearts twisted with each word they overheard. How did things between these two get so bad?

Ivan had sensed some tension, but he thought they were just going through a rough patch, something minor they could overcome. He hoped the evening might clear the air, but instead, it seemed to solidify the rift.

As Agnes stormed out, Ivan intercepted her, "Agnes, can't we talk this out?"

"Ivan, there's nothing left to say. Sorry to bail on dinner, but I need to go," Agnes replied, eager to escape.

She couldn't stand another second there. Her relationship with Jared had hit a dead end, and the nature of their issues had changed. She felt powerless to fix them.

And so, Agnes left.