Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 884

Alyssa grew up with countless friends, but deep down, only Julia held the golden ticket to her heart.

That all got knotted up when Alyssa fell head over heels for Michael. Her feelings for Julia turned into a tangled mess of hurt and guilt.

So she pulled some strings, got her daddy to work some magic, and landed Julia a shot at the big screen with a top-notch director. Alyssa thought that might patch things up. Except, she wasn't really trying to mend fences; she just wanted to ease the sting gnawing at her conscience.

But she never saw the breakup with Julia coming. It hit her like a ton of bricks, almost as hard as when Michael gave her the cold shoulder the first time she poured her heart out.

Irritation and embarrassment bubbled up inside Alyssa like a shaken soda can. Next thing, she's chucking her bracelet into the trash can with a dramatic flair, "Fine, forget it, Julia. You really think I saw you as a friend? In my eyes, you were nothing but a small-town bumpkin."

Alyssa used the most vicious words to hurt Julia. She didn't know why she lashed out like that. Maybe it was just the pain talking.

From that day on, Alyssa was completely hostile to Julia. Everyone around Alyssa sensed that change.

Alyssa found ways to make Julia's life a living hell. And whenever she did, Michael would show up, like some twisted knight in shining armor.

Alyssa made a deal with Michael. She said that she would never pester him again as long as he attended her birthday party as a date.

Michael agreed.

But Alyssa also invited Julia, who showed up only to catch Michael all dolled up for the occasion. Julia took off, but Michael was stuck, bound by his word.

That night, Michael got as drunk as a lord, stumbling over his own feet. Alyssa meant to get him home safe. Instead, she took him home with her.

One thing led to another. They made love that night.

The next morning, Michael woke up and slapped himself something fierce, right in front of Alyssa. Then he got dressed and stormed out, bumping into Tim back from a business trip. Tim saw Alyssa, her clothes askew, and pieced it together. He was ready to beat Michael to a pulp.

Alyssa begged for mercy, and the ugly truth came to light.

Tim locked Michael in the basement, and Alyssa pleaded nonstop. Tim only had one daughter and spoiled her rotten. But he never thought she'd stoop so low.

Finally, Tim told Michael, "You've made your bed, now lie in it. Either get engaged to Alyssa or I'll make your life a living hell. Your choice."

Hidden behind the wine rack, Alyssa listened as Michael, barely breathing, whispered from the floor, "Just kill me. I deserve it. I can't face Julia anymore. Please just kill me."

For the first time, Alyssa felt her heart shatter. Michael was at death's door, and all he could think about was Julia, not giving a damn about her.

Her tears fell silently.

Tim was so angry that he could have finished Michael right there. But Alyssa couldn't stand it.

She burst out, "Daddy, please, let him go. It's all on me. I set this up. He's innocent. He just doesn't love me, that's all."