Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)

Chapter 872

Michael was all refined and proper when he slept, almost like a young aristocrat bred in the lap of

luxury.

It was hard to reconcile this peaceful image with the rogue that emerged the moment his eyes flickered

open—a scoundrel through and through.

Yet, in slumber, he was surprisingly easy on the eyes, rivaling even the most popular boys in the drama

club.

Alyssa found herself staring, transfixed, for a long moment.

The sound of a key turning in a lock snapped her back to reality. This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

It must be Julia returning.

Alyssa's heart raced as she quickly retreated to her own bed, cheeks flushed with the guilty thrill of

coveting a forbidden fruit.

Indeed, it was Julia who walked through the door, her eyes widening at the sight of Michael sprawled

across her meticulously made bed.

Alyssa braced herself for an outburst—Julia was a stickler for cleanliness.

But, to her surprise, Julia tiptoed over, her footsteps lighter than a whisper, and asked softly, "How did

he end up here?"

Alyssa didn't speak, just gestured toward the still-open window.

Julia frowned at the thought of him clambering in like some reckless cat burglar, but she simply sighed

and tenderly pulled the blanket over Michael.

Everything was unfolding contrary to Alyssa's expectations. Not only was Julia not angry, but her eyes

brimmed with an affectionate concern for Michael who was still asleep.

Julia took Michael's hand and watched over him, a faint, contented smile playing on her lips. The

happiness and sweetness seemed to radiate from her gaze, an expression Alyssa had never witnessed

before.

At that moment, Alyssa knew without a doubt that Julia was head over heels for this lovable rascal. Yet

she couldn't see what Julia found so endearing about Michael.

To Alyssa, Julia was a born princess. Despite her rural upbringing, her sophistication, broad-

mindedness, and gentle nature outshone any pampered heiress. Alyssa was young, but she had a

hunch that Julia was destined for a fairy-tale ending, to be cherished and adored in a life of opulence.

So why would she fall for a streetwise rogue like Michael? Alyssa couldn't understand it.

She always felt that Michael was not good enough for Julia.

Michael woke up after about half an hour of sleep, opening his eyes to find Julia seated by his side,

holding his hand with a tender gaze.

He couldn't help but quip, "Am I dead? Because I think I'm seeing an angel."

Julia's brow furrowed. "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"Why else would I be gazing upon a celestial being?"

Her laughter rang out as she playfully punched his chest, only for Michael to catch her fist and hold it

close.

He sat up. Even though he'd only slept for a short while, he seemed to have regained his energy all at

once.

Julia queried, "What brings you here?"

"It's your birthday. There was no way I could miss it," he said, rising to his feet. "Let's go out. I'm taking

you to dinner."

Julia protested, "It's just a small birthday, no need to make a fuss."

"That won't do. My girl's birthday is the most important day of the year. Let's go have that Southern

fried chicken you've been craving, shall we?" Michael declared, transforming her humble day into an

occasion worth celebrating.