Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 874

At that time, Alyssa was fuming.

It was Julia's birthday, and here was Michael, showing up with neither cake nor gift, just looking for a free meal and some drinks. Was he seriously trying to mooch off Julia again? Over Alyssa's dead body.

In the end, it was Julia who asked her to go up first. Reluctantly, Alyssa left, but she couldn't shake off her worry, and instead of going away, she just lingered by the staircase.

"That little spitfire sure is feisty," she overheard Michael saying about her.

Alyssa's fingers tightened into fists.

Julia, however, was all smiles. "Just leave her be, Michael. Alyssa is just being a kid."

"Alright, enough about her. Happy birthday, Julia," Michael shifted the topic.

"Thank you."

Michael took Julia's hand and said, "I wanted to get you something special, but I just couldn't decide. I was afraid you wouldn't like what I picked out." Last time, Michael had spent a whole paycheck on a camera for Julia, but the very next day, she had him return it, insisting it was unnecessary and a waste of money.

Julia's voice was soft. "You did the right thing not buying anything. I don't need stuff. I'm just so happy you're here with me." Alyssa stood by the corner, eavesdropping. They were less than two meters away, and she could hear every word clearly. Inside, she cursed at Julia's naivety. That was the oldest trick in the book, classic player moves.

Alyssa sneakily peeked around the corner, ready to intervene if needed, but what she saw was unexpected.

Michael pulled out a buttery yellow envelope from his coat pocket and unfolded it. Inside was a neatly stacked wad of cash. "This is my paycheck for the month, nine hundred bucks. I haven't spent a dime; it's all for you," Michael declared.

Julia was taken aback. "How come it's so much?"

Michael worked construction, and his monthly salary was only three hundred dollars.

How had it suddenly tripled?

Michael grinned, "I'm working two jobs now, driving cabs at night, so I'm making more."

Julia's heart ached for him. "Michael, you shouldn't work so hard. Besides, I'm not short on cash, so I can't take your money."

"A man's gotta provide for his lady," Michael insisted. "Keep it. Spend it if you need to, or we can use it for a down payment on a house when we get married."

Julia looked down at the crisp bills in Michael's hand, her voice choked with emotion. "You've always been the one taking care of me. Why are you so good to me, Michael?" "Why? Because I've loved you for so many years. Who will I be good to if not you?"

Julia took the money, "I've hardly spent any of what you've given me. It's already over twelve grand. In a couple of years, we can get our house."

Michael nodded. "By then, you might be a big star." Suddenly, Michael looked worried. He asked, "But what if you won't want me anymore when you're a superstar?"

Julia reassured him, "I don't care about being a star. I just want to make money and give my mom a better life. They say movies pay well, so I went to film school. Once I've made enough to buy a house, I'll leave showbiz. Then, I'll have kids, open a florist shop, and just live a simple life."