Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)

Chapter 873

Michael was already up.

Across the room, Alyssa was curled up in bed, feigning interest in a novel.

“Come on, Alyssa, join us,” urged Julia with a friendly nudge.

Alyssa pouted, “No way. I'm not going to be the third wheel. You two go ahead.” A hidden discontent

simmered within Alyssa.

This weekend had been hard-won; she had pleaded with her dad to let her stay on campus. She had

even bought a cake for a celebration, only for it to be spoiled by a mischievous rascal.

“Cut it out, Alyssa,” Julia chided lightheartedly. “Didn’t you buy a birthday cake? Let’s take it with us and

dig in.”

Eventually, Alyssa relented and joined them.

Michael had initially intended to climb a tree to make his way back, but Julia gave him a stern talking-

to. Alyssa had never seen Julia so serious and intimidating. Despite the scolding, Michael just

chuckled, unbothered. Finally, even Julia couldn’t keep up her stern demeanor.

To cover their tracks, Alyssa small-talked with the dorm supervisor, distracting her.

While the supervisor was preoccupied, Julia took Michael's hand and they slipped out of the girls' dorm

discreetly.

By then, the night had crept in.

The three ventured to a nearby diner renowned for its authentic fried chicken.

For Alyssa, it was a first, but she took to the flavor instantly.

During the meal, Alyssa complimented, “Who knew such a dive could serve up something this

delicious?”

Michael snorted, “It’s a dive to a debutante like you, but for folks like us, it’s as grand as a five-star

hotel.”

Alyssa rolled her eyes at him and then brought out the cake. It was the priciest buttercream cake

around.

She explained, “I got it from an Italian bakery. The cream is all imported and it's simply divine. Happy

birthday, Julia.”

Julia was overjoyed. “Thank you, Alyssa.”

Alyssa also presented Julia with a delicate diamond bracelet. Julia, feeling it was too extravagant,

initially refused.

Alyssa playfully showed off her matching bracelet, “I bought them as a pair. I can’t possibly wear both,

so I’m gifting one to you. It symbolizes our friendship, Julia—unbreakable and everlasting, just like

diamonds.”

Finally, Julia accepted the gift.

Alyssa eagerly helped her put on the bracelet and then, with a hint of mischief, flaunted it in front of

Michael. “As her boyfriend, you didn’t even get her a little gift. Don’t you feel a bit guilty? We girls don’t

care about the price tag; it’s the thought that counts. You should have prepared something.”

Alyssa's mind was clouded with the romantic notions she had gleaned from novels.

She had held onto the belief that a small token from Michael could have mended things, but it never

came. Worse still, when it came time to settle the bill, it was Julia who reached for her wallet.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Witnessing this, Alyssa was on the verge of losing her temper.

The term "cad" from the romance novels seemed fitting for Michael in her eyes.

Yet Julia seemed utterly unfazed, as if all this were normal. Alyssa thought her foolish.

Later, as Michael escorted them back to the dorm, he turned to Alyssa, “You go on up, girl. I want to

spend a moment alone with Julia.”