A bitter smile traced the corners of Agnes' mouth.
Jared refused to explain, or perhaps he simply couldn't.
But she knew she couldn't be with someone who had so many other women in his life.
He and Valeria were almost engaged.
If it weren't for the sudden revelation of Nocturne's identity, by now, Jared would be Valeria's husband.
Jared could get engaged to Valeria, he must have feelings for her.
For all these years, Valeria has been recognized as Mrs. Thomas to the world.
Then there was that actress.
Rumor had it that she'd been with Jared for three years, even had a miscarriage for him.
Her hospital records and diagnoses were dug up by the media.
Then there were the pictures of Jared accompanying her to the hospital.
It's hard not to believe all that.
There have been so many women in Jared's life, and she was just one of them.
Jared cared so much about Nocturne, Agnes started to question if he chose her just to provide Nocturne with a family.
Of course, Agnes could feel that Jared still had feelings for her.
But their relationship had suffered too many wounds.
Even if they stayed together, those unresolved issues would be like seeds of thorns planted deep.
They would take root and grow with each passing day, until their sharp spikes left them in tatters.
Agnes couldn't bear to lose again. Jared must feel the same way.
It's better to maintain a distance.
At least as friends, they wouldn't have to be so hard on each other.
Love is selfish, and it's armed with sharp blades.
Agnes didn't want to hurt Jared anymore, nor did she want to experience heart-wrenching pain again.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Heartstrings on Fire