Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 830

Jared knew that Brayden had been on edge lately, like a walking thundercloud, but he couldn't pin down exactly why.

The moment Kerri's name was brought up, he'd hang up the phone.

After Jared ended the call, Agnes suggested to Kerri, "Why don't you come over tonight? Brayden's bringing Sprague along. It'll be a good chance for you two to hash things out."

Kerri nodded, determination etched on her face. "I'd do anything to see Sprague. Whatever price I have to pay, even if Brayden wants to give me hell, I don't care." Seeing Kerri like this, Agnes felt a pang of sadness.

They used to be so happy - a happiness that made Agnes deeply envious. Why did such beautiful love stories always seem to end up so wounded?

In the afternoon, Kerri followed Agnes home. Their houses were close by.

With Kerri's nerves stretched tight, Agnes suggested she take a nap in the guest room.

Later in the day, Agnes began preparing dinner.

Not exactly a master chef, she decided on an easy comfort food: a potluck-style dinner.

It felt fitting for a family gathering - and, to Agnes, nothing beat the communal vibe of sharing a meal around a bubbling pot.

Jared got back surprisingly early.

Seeing Agnes bustling around the kitchen, he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and planted a kiss on her neck. "Hey, babe, what are you whipping up?" Agnes turned to him with a smile, "Thought we'd have a potluck tonight. I've been slow-cooking some chicken broth. Here, give it a taste."

She offered a spoonful of the broth to Jared. He took a sip, then playfully furrowed his brow.

Agnes' face fell a little. "Not good? I've been tending to it for two hours, thought it tasted quite nice..."

With Jared's late nights, Agnes, who often finished work earlier, had been trying her hand at making soups, sometimes bringing them to his office or saving him a bowl for dinner. Suddenly, Jared's expression shifted to exaggerated amazement. "What is this, ambrosia? Babe, did you use magic water or something? It's fantastic!"

Flexing his arms jokingly, he added, "I feel rejuvenated! How about we test this new strength later tonight?"

Agnes punched him playfully in the chest. "Can you ever be serious?"

Jared, already tying a teddy bear apron around his waist, grinned. "Leave the rest to me. Go check if the kiddo's up."

Beaming, Agnes pecked him on the cheek. "Chef Jared to the rescue. Just what I wanted to hear."

With that, she left the kitchen.

As she stepped out, she noticed Kerri standing at the doorway, looking like she had just woken up from her nap.

Kerri seemed poised to leave, probably having caught a glimpse of Agnes and Jared's affectionate moment.

"I envy you guys," Kerri said, a touch of melancholy in her voice. "I'm truly happy for you, Agnes."

Back in the days at the Capital, Agnes and Jared had been through their share of troubles. But in just a few months, they had managed to patch things up.

Not everyone was as lucky as Agnes, though. Some people were left waiting, hoping for someone to return.

Feeling a bit sheepish, Agnes asked, "Feeling any better?"

Kerri nodded slightly. "When is Brayden coming?"

Agnes glanced at the clock. "Should be any minute now."

No sooner had she spoken than the doorbell rang.

"That must be them," Agnes said, heading to the door. "I'll go let them in."