Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 907

"That explains your attitude toward me lately," Ivan said, "You've been snapping at me out of nowhere, spouting all this nonsense, threatening to break up. And that was why." Mamie shifted uncomfortably, a guilty flush creeping up her cheeks. "Well, if you had just explained things to me properly..."

Ivan chuckled, his eyes softening as he reached out to squeeze her hand. "Okay, okay, it's my bad. From now on, I'll make sure to keep you in the loop, no matter how big or small the issue." Agnes stood up, letting out a deep sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the world. "I think I should leave you two alone."

"You're not going anywhere, Agnes," Mamie shot back with a mischievous grin. "You're going to be my maid of honor."

"That doesn't seem quite right, though," Ivan mused, a hint of concern in his voice. " Traditionally the maid of honor is supposed to be an unmarried woman, and she's already Mrs. Whitfield." Mamie's tone turned playfully bossy. "Doesn't matter. I want you, Agnes, as my one and only maid of honor. And I'm planning a lineup of bachelor party boys who are all Hollywood hotshots. You'll steal the show. It's high time Jared felt a bit of pressure to throw his own wedding bash. They've been reconciled for ages and still no ceremony. I want to light a fire under him!"

The mention of Jared brought a bittersweet twist to Agnes' lips.

Mamie was blissfully unaware of the current state of shambles between Agnes and Jared.

Ivan was still trying to argue his case that having Agnes as the maid of honor was a questionable choice, especially with Mamie's plan of assembling a star-studded groomsmen brigade.

If Jared found out, he'd be livid. But Mamie played her trump card. "If Agnes isn't my maid of honor, then there won't be a wedding."

Ivan's stance flipped in an instant. He turned to Agnes with a look of puppy-dog eyes. "Please, Agnes, just say yes."

With a resigned chuckle, Agnes relented. "Alright, alright, I'll be your maid of honor."

As she left the restaurant, Agnes felt a strange sense of happiness seeping into her. Driving alone on the city's elevated roads, the night breeze poured in through the car windows, both sobering and disorienting.

In a way, she envied Ivan and Mamie. At least Mamie had seen Ivan's reaction when he learned of the child's existence. That moment was precious beyond measure.

Back when Agnes was pregnant, it was the peak of misunderstandings between her and Jared. There had been mutual loathing, torment, and a bitter breakup.

Agnes had no idea how she had survived those days.

She had thought that enduring the pain and overcoming obstacles would lead to a brighter future. But it hadn't.

People say the Titanic's tale is so compelling because it encapsulates a brief, dazzling love affair. If Jack and Rose had been rescued, married, and had kids, their differences would have inevitably surfaced. After all, they were from different worlds.

And that was Agnes' most recent realization, the source of her deepest sorrow. She and Jared seemed to be from different worlds now, and Valeria fit in his like a glove. It was a painful admission, but Valeria seemed to understand him in ways Agnes no longer could.

Agnes' head began to throb with the weight of her thoughts.

The next day, the entertainment world was set ablaze with news. Ivan had officially announced his upcoming marriage to Mamie. The revelation sent shockwaves through the industry, igniting a frenzy of gossip and speculation.