Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 1108

Agnes could barely hear Reggie's voice, a whisper as thin as a thread. He spoke slowly, each word heavy with effort. But Agnes heard him clearly, her heart clenching in response. She didn't want to lie. Yet, seeing her godfather in such a state, Agnes found herself unable to speak the truth. With a heavy heart, she said, "It's alright, they're both fine. They'll come to see you soon."

Reggie seemed to relax at her words, a sigh escaping him as he slowly closed his eyes and drifted into a deep sleep. Sitting beside him, Agnes felt a turmoil of emotions. Sean was gone, and Phenix's condition was a growing concern. But what could she do? She couldn't tell the truth now.

The days passed in a blur for Agnes. Sean's funeral had been arranged by Kearney, turning it into one of the darkest days in the history of Albert's Arms, the local pub that had become a community gathering spot. Three days had passed, and Phenix had barely eaten or drunk anything, surviving solely on IV fluids, visibly thinner and utterly hollow. Everyone was worried about her. After dealing with Sean's affairs, Kearney had barely left Phenix's side, while Agnes took turns keeping vigil.

Reggie's condition had finally improved somewhat; he could eat a little and speak again, though he remained bedridden due to his serious injuries. Several times he had asked about Phenix and Sean, and each time Agnes had managed to deflect his questions. But this time, Reggie refused even his broth, pressing her, "Agnes, stop lying to me. Something's happened to Sean and Phenix, hasn't it? I want the truth. You've all been taking turns visiting me, but Sean and Phenix haven't come. What's happened to them?"

Feeling the weight of her lies heavier than ever, Agnes knew she could no longer keep the truth from her godfather. After a moment of heavy silence, she finally spoke, "Godfather, I'll tell you, but you must promise not to get upset."

Reggie, as if bracing himself for the worst, asked, "Is it Sean, Phenix, or both?"

Agnes replied, "Phenix is alive, but... Sean was shot and killed."

Reggie closed his eyes, his fingers gripping tightly, causing the IV needle to dislodge as blood backflowed. Agnes quickly removed the needle and called for a nurse. Holding Reggie's hand, she pleaded, "Godfather, please, you mustn't do this to yourself. You need to recover. Only then can we uncover the truth and find Sean's killer. You have to get better."

A single tear escaped Reggie's closed eyes, a man of his strength and stature showing vulnerability Agnes had never seen. Reggie spoke softly, "I've made too many mistakes in my life, led astray, filled with regrets. I wanted them to live upright, normal lives. But to protect them, I brought them into Albert's Arms, believing it would keep them safe. Yet, it was Albert's Arms that led to Sean's death. With Sean gone, it's as if Phenix has died too."