Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)

Chapter 892

Mr. Hanson chuckled warmly as he ruffled the little girl's tousled hair. "Alright, no more reading for

today, pumpkin. Later, I will dry some herbs with you in the sunshine."

The girl sat on Hanson's shoes, hugging his legs, her laughter ringing like that of a little angel. NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

"Grandpa, you're the best."

"Go play for now, sweetie," Hanson said, with a gentle firmness. "I’ve got company."

Obediently, the girl scampered off, her feet barely touching the ground.

Alyssa couldn’t help but express her surprise, "Mr. Hanson, since when did you get a granddaughter?"

She knew that at ninety-two, Hanson had never married or had children of his own. Instead, he had

mentored many apprentices, all stars in the field of herbal medicine. Each one held profound respect

for him, almost akin to reverence.

The mention of the little girl brought an undeniable smile to Hanson's face. "This little one is my

hundredth and final apprentice," he said.

Alyssa and Agnes were taken aback.

"Sir, you retired from teaching twenty years ago," Alyssa remarked. "And now you've broken your rule

to take on such a young apprentice. Is there a special reason?"

"No special reason," Hanson replied. "I just felt a connection. The first time I laid eyes on her, I took a

liking to her. Back then, she wasn't even two and was afflicted with a severe illness, and her father

brought her all the way from abroad for treatment. It was a fierce condition that took half a year to cure.

Afterward, her father asked if she could stay with me. She's always been special, needing constant

care with herbal remedies. I found her endearing and bright for her age, and she took to the herbs with

such passion. So, I took her in as my little apprentice. Now, she's the joy of our apothecary's lodge, and

her name is Esther."

"She's incredibly lucky," Alyssa mused, "to be under your guidance, Mr. Hanson."

Hanson stroked his beard and smiled.

Then Agnes spoke up, "Sir, I entrust my son to you. He’s currently in the hospital, but as soon as he's

stable, I’ll bring him here."

Seeing the little girl had cemented Agnes' decision. In Hanson's eyes, she saw deep affection and care

—a mother's intuition told her that Nocturne would be in good hands here. Plus, having a child close in

age as company would be comforting for her son.

"That's settled then," Hanson said. "Bring the boy to me when you're ready, and I'll take a look at him

myself."

As they left the apothecary's lodge, Agnes felt a swell of emotion, tears threatening to spill over.

Alyssa saw right through her. "Why cry when there's hope on the horizon?"

"It's because there's hope that I can't help but cry," Agnes replied, her voice breaking. "I've been

longing to heal my son. I've always felt guilty for bringing him into this world without the promise of a

normal life. It feels like my fault that he's suffered so much. I'd give anything for his recovery."

Alyssa spoke softly, "I understand how you feel. Believe me, Nocturne will get better. He will."

Soon after, Agnes returned to Willowbrook Town .