Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)

Chapter 837

Lying in the children's room, two silent figures rested on the small twin beds.

Kerri sat on the edge of one, her eyes unfocused as she stared at Sprague, lost in thought.

The sight tugged at Agnes' heartstrings. "Kerri," she called out gently.

Kerri turned, a small smile breaking through as she saw Agnes. "Hey, thank you, Agnes." Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Agnes walked over, her voice laced with concern. "Thank me for what? I regret it all, Kerri. I never

thought Brayden would corner you with such a harsh demand. Why agree to it? Do you realize how

tough these three years will be? Besides, if Brayden really doesn't want to give up custody, he'll find

ways to push you out. The more you cling, the more you'll get hurt."

Kerri glanced at the sleeping Sprague and said, "No matter what, I'll stick it out for three years. For

Sprague, I'd give up everything—my pride, my dignity. It's nothing compared to the agony of losing my

child."

Agnes understood, though her heart was heavy. "But you're an exceptional surgeon, Kerri. To spend

three years as a housekeeper for the Simonds, it's such a waste of your talents."

Kerri offered a wistful smile. "It's just three years. They'll fly by, right?"

Indeed, time had a way of slipping through one's fingers.

Sometimes, Agnes couldn't believe how many years had passed since she and Jared had parted ways.

Grasping Kerri's hand, Agnes spoke firmly, "If you've made up your mind, I won't argue. But if you run

into any trouble, or if Brayden gives you a hard time, come to me. I'll do everything in my power to help

you."

"You've already done so much, Agnes. I'm truly grateful."

In the end, Kerri left with Brayden.

According to the agreement, the contract was to start that very evening. This meant that Kerri was to

go with Brayden to the Simonds' residence tonight.

Sprague was fast asleep, hoisted over Brayden's shoulder, while Kerri followed silently behind, leaving

together with him.

Watching their retreating figures, Agnes was struck by an illusion. If things were like before, how happy

they might be, but too much had changed over the years.

Jared came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her gently. "What's on your mind?"

"I was just thinking," Agnes murmured, "how wonderful it would be if they could clear up their

misunderstandings, just like us."

"Don't worry, they will," Jared assured her.

Agnes' confusion cleared as she turned to face him. "Are you saying they actually have

misunderstandings?"

Jared admitted, "I can't say for sure, but I do know that Brayden's marriage to Maisie is merely a

charade."

"A sham marriage?" Agnes asked, surprised.

"It's complicated, with many interests and even political schemes at play," he explained.

Agnes nodded in realization. "I can tell Brayden still has feelings for Kerri. Is he keeping her close to

torment her or to win her back?"

"Both," Jared said.

Agnes glared playfully. "You seem to know a lot. Did you ever consider doing something similar?"

Jared feigned innocence. "Me? Never. I'd probably volunteer as a nanny myself, and then... who

knows? Maybe I'd get lucky." He punctuated his words with a bold kiss on Agnes' lips, leaving her both

flustered and amused.