Heartstrings On Fire

Chapter 11

Agnes calmly pulled her hand from Laura’s grasp, saying, “Ms. Laura, I won’t tell Dad, trust me.”

She always addressed Laura formally as Ms. Laura, even though Laura had been part of the family for a decade now. Laura had never been demanding, but ever since she married Agnes‘ dad, the warmth of the horhe vanished.

Just as Beatrice had put it, Agnes felt like the odd one out in this supposedly happy trio.

Laura suggested, “Your dad’s back. Let’s go eat in the dining room.”

Preston was thrilled to see Agnes. Knowing she’d be home today; he had bought her favorite durian layered cake.

But Beatrice took the chance when Agnes wasn’t looking, and tossed the cake into the garbage. When Preston discovered, she innocently said, “Dad, that thing stinks like hell. It gives me a headache. Look, neither you nor mom likes durian, and we shouldn’t have to suffer just cause Agnes likes it. I still have homework to do.”

We can buy another one tomorrow. I made so many goodies today. It’s not worth dampening the mood over a cake. Agnes, you wouldn’t

“It’s just

her survival strategy in this family. Not giving a hoot about

a pang of guilt seeing Agnes‘ indifferent demeanor. He remembered her as a lively and adorable kid, not like this. At the

stirred the pot, “Dad, you probably don’t know,

“Agnes,

she wouldn’t know

calmly, “Yes, we broke

about letting you two

misunderstanding. Do you know

“That bastard Elton, how could he do such a thing! Agnes, don’t worry. I’ll settle

poor family? You let her snatch Elton from you, how could you be so powerless? Elton chose a girl from a family like that over you.

angry Preston snapped,