Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 963

Jared's table was the closest to the stage, so he saw everything crystal clear.

Shawn watched him down one drink after another with a poker face.

Perplexed, he said, "Jared, you really gonna sit this one out? Those heartthrobs on stage could sweep your lady off her feet."

Jared kept silent.

Those who hung around Jared knew that ever since Agnes returned after vanishing for four years, they had patched things up. Back then, they couldn't wait to flaunt their love, dishing out couple goals that made everyone else feel downright single.

But today was different. They seemed to be at odds, not exchanging a single word all evening.

The guys tried to play matchmaker, to no avail.

Agnes, once she got a few drinks in her, was the life of the party on stage.

Twirling and dancing, she seemed to forget the world.

Her laughter was infectious, and that radiant, youthful face was hard not to like.

A few of the groomsmen were obviously smitten. Their gazes lingered on her, openly flirtatious.

Shawn kept egging Jared on.

"Jared, look at that sitcom star's hand creeping around your girl's waist."

"Man, that movie hunk's eyeing her like she's the last piece of pie at Thanksgiving."

"She's a hit, buddy. Even I'm a bit jealous."

Jared's grip tightened, a storm brewing beneath his calm exterior.

Finally, Shawn dropped the bomb, "Oops, looks like your girl's fallen right into that dude's arms."

That was it. Jared couldn't take anymore. He stormed the stage. Grabbing Agnes by the hand, they became the spectacle as they left the banquet hall, drawing countless stares. Under the influence, Agnes was less than steady on her feet.

Though her mind was clear, her body rebelled against her. She had no choice but to let Jared lead her away.

He took her straight to the rooftop.

The night air was brisk, chilling Agnes in her light evening gown. She shivered, not from the cold, but because tonight, she felt different.

Freed from the usual constraints of her public image, where every word and action were measured, she felt alive.

No more biting back curses for the sake of her reputation.

Agnes had always felt trapped.

But not tonight. Tonight was good. Her mind sharp, her spirit lifted.

Confronting Jared's icy demeanor, she couldn't hide her annoyance, "Jared, what's gotten into you? Why did you drag me up here?"

"I brought you here to sober up," Jared said flatly.

"I am sober," Agnes retorted, "thanks for the concern."

"Sober enough to dance with any guy who came up to you in front of everyone?" Jared sneered.

Agnes felt wronged.

The atmosphere had been upbeat, full of lively dancing with friends of Mamie and Ivan.

They were all gentlemen, nothing out of line.

Agnes could tell.

Yet, in Jared's eyes, it was all inappropriate touching and flirting?