Heartstrings on Fire

Chapter 747
If Agnes owed anyone anything in her life, it was probably Ryder. Because she could never reciprocate everything Ryder had
done for her.
Agnes started, “Ryder, have you ever noticed that you’re always comparing yourself to your uncle? You have a mental scale for
wins and losses. You say you don’t care about them, but in reality, you care more than anyone. Isn’t your persistence with me
just a way to compensate for what you’ve lost? Ryder, have you ever asked yourself if you love me because I’m your uncle’s
woman, or because you genuinely like me?”
Ryder seemed to freeze for a moment, then he suddenly chuckled, “Agnes, I never thought you’d think like this. Are you just
trying to make excuses to ease your conscience?”
Agnes apologized, “I’m sorry, Ryder”
“Forget it, I’ve heard enough apologies. You’ve never truly understood me.” Ryder turned around and added, “No, you’ve never
really wanted to understand me. With that, Ryder left.
Agnes stood on the balcony of the Whitfield Manor for a long time. Watching Ryder drive away, her heart ached. This was a
predictable outcome. Her words were intentional. The only way to extinguish Ryder’s hope was to disappoint him, deny and
trample on his feelings. But Agnes couldn’t bring
herself to be ruthless
There was too much compassion in her heart, because Ryder was more than just a friend to her
Without his care for her for the past three years, she wouldn’t have regained her confidence and become who she was today.
Jared came over and draped a coat over Agnes. That’s enough. Stop thinking about it.”
Tim didn’t come out to see her all night.
After dinner, Agnes and Jared left.
Alyssa seemed to like Nocturne. She spent the whole night talking with him in his room. When they were leaving, she seemed
reluctant to part with him

She gave him a knitted scarf, said it was a gift from abroad, but Agnes could tell from the clumsy stitches that it was likely
Alyssa’s handiwork
On the way back, Agnes was lost in thought. Jared held her hand, “I know what you’re thinking. I believe Ryder will understand
one day. I can give him anything, but I can’t give him my wife”
Agnes smiled, “I’m not your wife yet
Jared suddenly pulled the car over. Startled, Agnes asked, “Jared, what are you doing?”
Jared solemnly said, “Proposing.”
Agnes was both amused and annoyed, “Stop joking, who proposes like this? Besides, I haven’t decided whether to go back to
Manhattan yet.”
Jared was serious, Tm sorry, but I can’t wait any longer. I feel uneasy until you agree These past days have felt like a dream,
and I fear that one day you’ll suddenly disappear again.”
Jared’s sincerity made Agnes feel a pang of guilt.
Her departure had indeed left a deep imprint on Jared’s psyche.
Agnes said, “I promise, I won’t disappear without a word again. But please, let me think about this, okay?”
“There’s nothing to think about, Agnes. Whether or not you decide to go back to Manhattan, agree to marry me first. If necessary.
I’ll go to Manhattan with you