Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared) novel Chapter 827

Ryder strolled over, a lazy smile playing on his lips. "No sweat, Agnes. It's not like it's the first time I've seen you tipsy."

At his words, Agnes could feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Silence hung between them, thick and uneasy, and Agnes found herself at a loss for words. Despite the discomfort, Ryder remained steadfastly by her side.

Feeling the need to break the silence, Agnes grasped at the first topic that came to mind. "You walked away from med school to take over the family business. Are you happier now?"

Ryder leaned against the balcony's glass door, arms crossed, his stance giving off an air of nonchalance.

"I'm not happy, Agnes. Not at all," he admitted without flinching.

Curiosity got the better of her. "Then why do it? Why give up your dreams for business?"

Why take on the Thomas Group and fight for shares in the Tim Group if it didn't bring joy? These were the puzzles Agnes couldn't solve.

Ryder's gaze settled on her face, intense and searching. "For years, I've been wondering, Agnes. Why did you fall for my uncle? Why choose him first, and then again? We spent so much time together in Manhattan, as much as you did with him, yet you never really opened up to me. I'm just curious what it was about his life that drew you in. I wanted to walk his path, live his life, to find an answer for myself."

Her heart sank at his words. It was indeed all because of her. She felt the weight of his life decisions on her shoulders, a burden too heavy to bear.

Overwhelmed, Agnes directed her gaze downwards, finding sudden interest in the floor beneath her, unable to bear the intensity of Ryder's gaze. "You didn't have to give up your dreams for my sake, Ryder. It's not worth it," she said softly.

Ryder chuckled, a sound that seemed to hold a touch of melancholy. "You seem to have forgotten that I left the Whitfield family and decided to join the Novy Medical Team because of you."