Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 858

To be honest, the past few years of Nocturne undergoing treatment were like walking a tightrope for Agnes. With every new medication trial, her heart was in her throat, fearing the worst. Hands clasped tightly together, Agnes silently prayed for Nocturne's safety.

Her mind wandered to Jared, but she couldn't bring herself to call him. After their heated argument the night before, Jared hadn't come back, and she had no clue where he had disappeared to.

It wasn't long before Nocturne was wheeled out of the ER, with Ryder following closely behind.

Agnes rushed forward, anxiety etched across her face. "How's Summer doing?" she asked. Ryder spoke up, "We need to get the hospital admission process started."

Nocturne was moved to a hospital room and Agnes stayed by his bedside, a silent sentinel of maternal love. Ryder handled all the paperwork and discussed Nocturne's condition with the attending physicians. The reason for Nocturne's admission wasn't a new diagnosis, but rather the absence of one. For now, Ryder's preliminary assessment pointed to an adverse reaction to the new medication. Although no major issues had surfaced yet, they feared complications could arise, making hospital observation the safest bet.

This situation had happened once before in Manhattan. During Nocturne's first attempt at a long-term drug treatment, he suffered sudden organ failure after just two weeks. Agnes nearly fell apart. Her tiny child spent a harrowing week in the ICU before narrowly cheating death.

Tears fell uncontrollably as Agnes held Nocturne's little hand. He was so young, yet he bore so much.

Ryder soon came by. "Nocturne's going to be fine," he said reassuringly, sitting beside Agnes. "Every time it's been a close call, right? I've already reached out to the Novy Medical Team. We're halting the new medication, and they'll send someone out as soon as possible to conduct a thorough examination and assessment."

Agnes cleaned her tears and managed a weak smile. "I'm okay," she lied.

Ryder stayed with Agnes at the hospital, but it wasn't until evening that Jared returned, informed by Ryder about Nocturne's hospitalization.

When Jared arrived, Agnes had stepped out to gather some clothes for Nocturne, leaving just Ryder in the room.

Rushing in, Jared asked, "How's Nocturne?"

"He's stable for now. The side effects of the new drug need observation. But for the next few days, without medication, Nocturne will barely be awake," Ryder updated him. Jared moved to Nocturne's side, observing his son's furrowed brow even in sleep, a sign of his discomfort.

"When did this happen?" Jared asked.

"This morning," Ryder replied.

Jared fell silent. Ryder then added, "Uncle, didn't you come home last night?"

Jared's frown deepened.

"If you can't take care of Agnes and Summer, then let me," Ryder offered, his words igniting a fire within Jared.

Jared stood abruptly, turning to face Ryder. "What exactly are you implying?"

"I'm just saying, I can't stand to see Agnes so helpless. She's stronger without you. I can't bear to watch you take advantage of her love for you and hurt her without restraint."

Jared tried to maintain his composure. "Without you, we'd be fine," he retorted, the tension between them thick enough to slice through.