Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 898

Agnes, let's set everything else aside for the moment, but there's one non-negotiable, you can't vanish on me. If you do, I'll move heaven and earth to track you down."

Agnes, weary, spoke up, "I need to spend some time in New York. I've found a herbal doctor for little Nocturne. Since conventional medicine isn't working, let's give alternative treatments a shot." Jared's forehead creased with worry.

Agnes, unusually calm, continued, "I won't up and leave without a word, and I'm certainly not going abroad. I came back, didn't I? I'm not planning to leave again. But Jared, we really need to sort things out. Let's talk after I've got Nocturne settled, okay?"

Jared opened his mouth to speak.

But Agnes cut him off, "Jared, please, not a word right now, alright? I'm just so tired, and I can't bear to hear another argument. Can I have some space for a bit?"

Jared left the hospital room without another word.

The room fell into a serene quiet.

Agnes held little Nocturne's hand gently. All she could think about was Nocturne getting better.

The next day, after consulting with the doctor and confirming Nocturne's condition was stable, Agnes handled the discharge procedures.

She had bought tickets early that morning.

Though she had told Jared about the trip to seek treatment for Nocturne, and Jared had offered to come along, Agnes had refused.

She didn't even say goodbye before she left with Nocturne.

Agnes knew she was being headstrong.

She was denying Jared his right as a father. But she couldn't face him, not yet.

It was better to part ways for a while than to risk a heated argument in front of their child.

After all, Agnes was just taking Nocturne for a consultation.

When Agnes arrived at the herbalist's shop at 2 p.m., Mr. Hanson was still napping.

She noticed a little girl in the yard, expertly drying herbs despite her small frame.

The same chubby cherub she'd seen the last time.

The apprentice who had led Agnes in called out, "Esther, go inside and wake up Gramps, tell him there's a visitor."

But Esther, standing in the doorway, hands on her plump hips, protested, "No can do. Gramps is old, and he doesn't sleep well at night. We can't disturb his nap."

Though Esther's speech was a bit broken, she exuded confidence, her pigtails slightly quivering, a feisty little thing.

The apprentice moved to wake Mr. Hanson himself but was blocked by Esther.

Agnes reassured the apprentice, "It's okay. Let Mr. Hanson rest. It's my fault for the untimely visit. I'll just wait in the yard."

Thinking it over, the apprentice said, "Well, the master does like his naps, but he'll be up shortly. If Ms. Pritchard doesn't mind, please make yourself comfortable in the yard. I'll get you some tea." There were wooden chairs and a table in the yard.

Agnes sat down, holding Nocturne in her arms, still sound asleep.

Curious, Esther edged closer to Agnes, boldly inspecting the newcomer yet showing no signs of shyness.