Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 1031

When they got back to Serenity Hall, it was not too late yet. Nocturne was still up, teaching Esther how to read. Seeing Agnes and the others return, he asked, “Mom, Dad, you’re back so soon. Was Grandpa Reggie not at home?”

Agnes walked over to Nocturne, shaking her head, “Grandpa Reggie was there, but Mom and Dad had some things to take care of, so we came back early.”

Nocturne, concerned, asked, “Is Grandpa Reggie doing alright? Last time I saw him, he had a bit of a cough.”

Agnes ruffled Nocturne’s hair, “He’s much better now, don’t worry.”

Nocturne sighed, “I miss Grandpa Reggie. I wish I could have gone with you.”

Nocturne and Grandpa Reggie had always been close, perhaps because Grandpa Reggie was the first person to hold Nocturne when he was born. Every year, Nocturne would spend some time at Grandpa Reggie's place. To Nocturne, Grandpa Reggie’s world was a realm of endless marvels. Grandpa Reggie taught him horseback riding and shooting, surrounding him with a vibrant cast of characters. Everyone adored the boy who mostly lived in his dreams but had the mind of a genius. Some even suggested Grandpa Reggie groom Nocturne to take over his legacy, but Grandpa Reggie refused. “This child,” he’d say, “is meant to live in the sunshine. He may see the edge of darkness, but he shall never walk into it.”

Agnes always felt there was an inexplicable fondness from Grandpa Reggie towards Nocturne. Now, Agnes understood. Nocturne was Grandpa Reggie’s own grandson. Life had its mysterious ways. But upon reflection, there were signs that didn’t quite add up, leaving Agnes puzzled about whether Grandpa Reggie knew all along that she was Julia’s daughter. And if he did, did he know Jared was his grandson?

That night, Agnes tossed and turned, unable to sleep, her mind racing with thoughts. It seemed likely that Grandpa Reggie knew. Why else would he so readily accept her as his goddaughter? Given Grandpa Reggie’s extensive network, it was improbable he didn’t investigate her background. Agnes’s feelings were a whirlpool of confusion. Surely, Grandpa Reggie must have known about Jared being his grandson, especially since Alyssa’s story was an open secret. Yet, if he knew, why had he never reached out to Jared?

Lying on their makeshift bed on the floor, Agnes cuddled up to Jared, who was also restless. “Jared, stop thinking, let’s try to sleep,” she whispered softly.

Jared just hummed in response, both of them enveloped in the silence of the night.

The next day brought a surprising call from Phenix, inviting Agnes to go wedding dress shopping with her. “How did you know I was in the Capital?” Agnes asked, baffled.

“Grandpa Reggie told me. My brother just got back from his place last night. He mentioned you visited yesterday, and I figured you hadn’t left yet. Perfect timing, I need someone to help me pick out a wedding dress.”