Chapter 861


    Agnes felt the words pierce her heart like a shard of ice.


    Nobody knew the sting of Jared''s words quite like Agnes did.


    Their son, Nocturne, was a beacon of intelligence and understanding beyond his years. To Agnes, he


    was the epitome of perfection in a child''s form. But if God made him so perfect, why would he burden


    him with such suffering? He was only five years old.


    The thought was unbearable, how this little soul wouldfort her in her bleakest moments, a role


    reversal that no outsider could imagine.


    Nocturne''s voice cut through her thoughts, "It''s okay, Mom and Dad. I''ll get better. I''m happy now, really


    happy. When I open my eyes, I see you both by my side. There''s nothing better than that."


    Agnes clutched Nocturne''s hand, fighting back tears. She couldn''t let them fall, not in front of him.


    Before long, Nocturne drifted back into a deep sleep, his small hand still in hers.


    Finally, Jared spoke, his voice heavy with fatigue, "Go get some rest. I''ll stay here."


    Agnes shook her head.


    "Are you trying to wear yourself out? Don''t you have an interview tomorrow?" Jared frowned.


    Indeed, she had an interview. The call hade just the other day while Jared was within earshot.


    Agnes had wanted to take a few days off, but her job was unique. As the sole host for "The Primary


    Perspective," she had to be there.


    After some thought, Agnes returned to Maplewood Manor. She trusted Jared to watch over Nocturne at


    the hospital.


    Besides, given the current strain between them, perhaps some space was for the best.


    She fell into a deep sleep the moment she hit the bed.


    Waking early the next day, she prepared a hearty oatmeal breakfast and took it to the hospital.


    Jared looked like he hadn''t slept a wink. As Agnes entered, he was in the same spot as the night


    before, posture unchanged, his gaze fixed on Nocturne''s angelic face.


    "Have some breakfast," Agnes suggested, breaking the silence.


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    Jared seemed to snap back to reality. His bloodshot eyes were a testament to his sleepless vigil. He


    sipped the oatmeal without enthusiasm.


    "You should get some rest," Agnes insisted. "Ryder will be here soon."


    Jared''s expression chilled at the mention of Ryder.


    Agnes was aware of Jared''s aversion to her colleague, but the more he doubted, the more she felt


    She didn''t linger long at the hospital, as her interview awaited.


    By three in the afternoon, her work was done, and she rushed back to Nocturne''s side.


    Jared''s car was gone, likely off to the office, but another familiar car caught her eye.


    It was from Whitfield Manor.


    Approaching the room, Agnes found Alyssa inside, with Ryder present as well.


    The door was ajar, and Agnes paused at the threshold, Alyssa''s voice carrying out to her.


    "Agnes is your uncle’s wife, Ryder, and don''t you forget it," Alyssa said, her tone cold and cautionary as


    she held the boy''s hand, her back to Ryder.