Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 404

Chapter 404

Agnes reckoned that's where the issue lay

Deep down, Ryder wanted to return to the Thomas clan.

But it was not that the Thomas clan had anything particularly appealing.

It was just that he didn't feel valued in the Whitfield family

In reality, Ryder was a catch, the kind of top student everyone had their eyes on at school.

Yet he had always been overshadowed by the genius, Jared

Jared was like the sun in the sky, naturally outshining Ryder who was more like the moon.

Agnes said, "Well, if you wanna go back, then go for it. Even if you return to the Thomas clan, the Whitfield family was still your home, these people are still your kin, I don't see any conflict"

Ryder cracked a smile, "You might be the only person in this world who supports me."

Agnes smiled a little. "Well, don't forget me when you've made it big in the medical field, remember, I was the one who helped you."

Ryder's smile deepened, "Agnes, I'll never forget you, not in my lifetime"

A pang struck Agnes's heart when she heard Ryder's words. As she turned to face him, he gazed upward, the weight of something unsaid heavy between them. "Agnes," he began, "After I leave, we might not see each other as often. There's something I've been meaning to ask you."

Curiosity piqued, Agnes asked, "What is it?"

"If Jared weren't in the picture, would you have feelings for me?" Ryder's vulnerability hung in the air.

The question blindsided her. She struggled for words, but Ryder continued, a hint of jest in his voice. "It's not an easy question? Come on, perform surgeries, unlike him"

Im not bad. I can even

Agnes was taken aback by Ryder's nonchalance. Before she could collect her thoughts, he stood up, moving towards her with a purpose. "Can I hug you?" And before she could process the request, he was embracing her a gentle, fleeting connection. Agnes held her breath, gripping the swing ropes, trying to anchor herself to the moment.

Drawing back, Ryder met her eyes, his gaze earnest. "Agnes, be happy. Don't make me regret my choices." And with that cryptic farewell, he disappeared into the

house

Dazed, Agnes remained on the swing until a calm voice pulled her from her thoughts. So, it's you Ryder is smitten with. It was Alyssa. Shielded by a cherry tree at the entrance, there was no telling how much she'd witnessed.

Alyssa's tone was sharp, each word deliberate. "Knowing how he felt about you, shouldn't you have kept your distance?"

Caught off-guard, Agnes stuttered, "Ryder and I... we're just friends."

Alyssa's gaze was unwavering. "So you're implying my son's affections were entirely one-sided?"

Agnes grappled for the right words, finally settling on, "Tll be more careful in the future"