Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 876

Alyssa had the perfect vantage point to admire Michael's profile.

He was the epitome of rugged handsomeness, with a masculine charm that was undeniable. And his scent was intoxicating. Despite the long walk, he still smelled fresh and clean, as if the miles hadn't touched him.

Alyssa was lying on his back, her heart pounding so wildly it felt like it might burst through her chest.

A mischievous little imp seemed to spring up from the depths of her heart, whispering slyly, "You've fallen for him, haven't you? You should steal him away from Julia."

The thought shocked Alyssa to her core. How could she have such a horrible thought?

Michael and Julia's love was a thing of beauty, their romance straight out of a fairytale. How could she play the villain, the homewrecker?

Back then, Alyssa was obsessed with romance novels. Whenever a third wheel threatened the love between the protagonists, she'd wish she could yank them out of the pages and give them a piece of her mind.

Yet here she was, harboring the very thoughts she despised.

She knew it was wrong, but she couldn't help where her heart was tugging her.

After that day's hike, Alyssa felt sick. She even took a two-week leave from school and didn't read a single letter Julia sent her way. Her guilt over her feelings for Michael was consuming.

Eventually, Julia came to visit, and Alyssa played it cool on the surface. But inside, seeing Julia was excruciating.

Still, she couldn't help but inquire about Michael.

When Julia mentioned that it was the harvest season and that Michael had gone back to help with the harvest at her mother's farm, Alyssa quickly expressed a desire to visit Julia's countryside home, claiming she'd never seen a harvest and was curious.

Julia took it as the whim of a city girl fascinated by country life, unaware of the truth.

Alyssa was desperate to see Michael. She had stayed home to avoid him, but her longing only intensified with distance.

When Julia came around, Alyssa's self-control evaporated. She was filled with shameful regret, yet she couldn't wait to see Michael again.

Alyssa told herself she wouldn't interfere with Julia and Michael's relationship. She would love from afar, content just to watch.

The weekend was upon them, and there wasn't much school work. Julia bought bus tickets, and they set off for the countryside.

It was a drizzly day, and with no taxis in sight, they had to trek for miles.

Alyssa, lugging a large suitcase, depended on Julia to carry it.

She had never known such hardship, navigating the narrow, muddy paths where one wrong step could leave her stuck.

Her pretty red flats were quickly caked in mud, but that was the least of her worries.

Then, she saw Michael.

Clad in a simple gray jacket, baggy pants, and muddy black boots, he looked every bit the country boy. But to Alyssa, he was the man who haunted her dreams.

Her steps halted, and she stood there, transfixed, staring at the man who had unwittingly captured her heart.