Chapter 9 Agnes wrapped up her internship at The Tim Group and was all set for the new semester.
The day before school started, Laura gave her a ring, Inviting her over for dinner.
Once a big shot in showbiz, Laura was now Agnesâ stepmother. Agnesâ mom passed away when she was 12, and to her surprise, her dad got hitched to Laura just six months later.
Her father, a gentle and loving man in her memory, had always taken care of her mother, especially when she was sick.
Agnes didnât oppose her father remarrying, but what she couldnât stomach was that Laura brought along a daughter, Beatrice.
Only two years younger than Agnes, Beatrice was also her fatherâs biological daughter.
This clearly indicated that her dad had been playing outside his marriage for years. It wasnât until Agnes grew up that she found out that her fatherâs affair with Laura was an open secret in their circle.
Jared knocked off work early that day and found Agnes packing when he got home.
âIâm heading back home tonight, and Iâm taking my luggage with me. Iâll head straight to school tomorrow and wonât be back,â
Agnes told Jared.
âDo you want me to tag along?â asked Jared.
âNo need, I can handle it. My dad doesnât know Iâm hitched,â Agnes quickly responded.
âWhat if I go as your âboyfriendâ?â Jared suggested.
âEven worse, they donât know Iâve broken up with Elton,â Agnes replied.
âWhen do you plan to spill the beans?â Jared asked casually.
Agnes thought for a moment, âIâll tell them tonight. Elton and I are history.â
Seeing Agnesâ determined look, Jared couldnât help but smile. He then handed her a key, âHereâs your gift.â
âWhatâs this for?â Agnes asked, looking at the key in surprise.
âItâs the key to Maplewood Manor. Itâs not far from your school, so you can move in after school starts,â Jared explained.
Maplewood Manor was a garden villa owned by Jared. Agnes had been there once. It was a typical richâpeopleâs neighborhood with great privacy. Many celebrities lived there.
âI plan to stay in the dorm,â Agnes said.
âThen what about me?â Jared asked.
âYouâre moving in too?â Agnes looked surprised.
âAgnes, youâre a married woman now. Iâm fit as a fiddle and full of energy. I donât plan on living separately,â Jared replied.
Agnesâ face turned beet red. Living with Jared for three months had been the boldest thing she had ever done. Jared spent half his time away on business trips, but when he was home, things always heated up between them. Agnes was no match for Jaredâs charm.
Agnesâ cheeks were flushed; she looked adorable. Jared couldnât resist kissing her. Agnes was a rookie when it came to kissing, she didnât even know how to breathe properly. She was always defenseless against Jaredâs advances.
Jared had already unbuttoned Agnesâ shirt. Suddenly, Agnes snapped back to reality. She stopped his wandering hands and gasped, âNot now. Iâm about to leave.â
Agnes knew that once he got started, he wouldnât stop for at least an hour. More importantly, she would not even have the energy to walk afterwards.
Jared didnât get what he wanted, so he left a hickey on Agnesâ neck. He then buried his face in her neck, calming himself down.
In a husky voice, he said, âIâm going to take a shower, then Iâll drive you home.â