Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 846

"Ryder, you shouldn't have taken that drink for me," Agnes chided, her voice tinged with concern.

If Ryder hadn't shown up, she would've handled the situation her own way. His sudden intervention only drew more attention to them. Now, their relationship was like being smeared with tar-no amount of scrubbing could clean the stain.

Ryder replied with a hint of nonchalance, "You're not supposed to drink. Consider this my way of apologizing."

Agnes knew exactly what he was referring to. That day during the interview, she had been cornered by a pack of project managers pressuring her to drink. She ended up getting drunk. Later, Ryder had apologized to her for the incident.

Deep down, Agnes was aware that those men were acting bold only because Ryder had given them the nod. If he hadn't, they wouldn't have dared.

The reason Agnes had dared to drink that day was that she believed, drunk or not, Ryder would never leave her in a lurch. But tonight, drinking was the last thing she wanted.

Agnes didn't want to dwell on it. Some things just couldn't be explained away.

"Since we're out, I should head home, and you should too," she suggested, eager to leave the drama behind.

Ryder's gaze, cold and penetrating as a frosty night, settled on her face under the bright moonlight.

Agnes sighed, capitulating. "Fine, I'll drive you home. You've been drinking; you can't drive."

If she left Ryder here after he had taken a drink for her, it would weigh on her conscience. Besides, he had helped her, and she wasn't sure if the alcohol would have any delayed effects. If it hit him later and he got into trouble, Agnes would never forgive herself.

Ryder wasn't as chilly as he looked. "How about you treat me to dinner? My stomach's not feeling great."

Agnes almost cursed out loud. "You know your stomach can't handle alcohol. Why on earth did you drink? Are you a glutton for punishment?"

Seeing Agnes' exasperation, Ryder's lips curled into a rare smile. "I'm craving a beef burger," he confessed and headed towards the food street adjacent to the college.

Every college town had its own food street, and the one next to Lakeside College was affectionately known as "Decadence Drive." It was a hub for students to indulge in the hedonistic pleasures of eating, drinking, and reveling.

Ryder had already made his way into the throng, and Agnes hurried after him. A few steps in, he ducked into a diner she knew all too well-Burger Barn.

Agnes had a soft spot for this place because it reminded her of her mom's cooking. Over the years in Manhattan, she had often found herself missing its familiar tastes.

Since she was there, Agnes followed him inside.

The owner recognized her immediately. "Isn't this Agnes? It's been years since you've come by!"

He had put on weight, his laughter as hearty as ever, radiating a jovial presence.

Agnes was pleasantly surprised. "Mister, you remember me?"

"How could I forget?" the owner beamed. "I've been running this place for years. You made quite the impression. One winter break, you came in every day, always ordering the signature beef burger. I kept wondering if my cooking was really that good, seeing how you never got tired of it. Whenever you showed up, I made sure to toss a few extra slices of beef on your burger."