Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared) novel Chapter 952

Agnes couldn't quite put her finger on it, but whenever she spoke with Ryder, the conversation seemed to drift towards Jared somehow.

It wasn't intentional, really. Yet every time she looked at Ryder's face, Jared's image would involuntarily seep into her thoughts.

Mentioning Jared always elicited the subtlest shift in Ryder's expression.

"Agnes, you know, I wish that when you're with me, I'm the one on your mind, not my uncle," Ryder's voice held a tinge of dejection.

Hearing this made Agnes feel a pang of guilt. She said, "Ryder, we can never be together. Even if I'm not with Jared anymore, I can only see you as a friend, or maybe like a younger relative. I just don't have those feelings for you..."

"Stop," Ryder cut her off, a heavy silence falling between them.

At that moment, Agnes realized they had unwittingly walked up to the grand entrance of the Pritchard Mansion.

Time and again, Agnes tried to clarify the nature of their relationship, often repeating herself more than necessary. Sometimes, she even did it on purpose, knowing full well Ryder hated these conversations. But she felt compelled to speak the hard truths.

She knew that for many reasons, she couldn't just cut ties with Ryder. Yet she couldn't afford to give him hope either.

Ryder's ambiguous advances and probing always left her heart aching. He refused to let go, to give up. All Agnes could do was to keep him at arm's length, as gently as she could.

"Ryder..." Agnes was at a loss for words.

"Agnes, you've never even tried. Why say we won't work? You've never attempted to let me in. All the effort I've put in isn't to make you fall for me. I just want you not to reject me. Don't step back every time I come close. Just stay put, will you? I'm not asking for much, just don't push me away," Ryder pleaded.

Agnes felt an ache in her heart at his words. But suddenly, Ryder stepped forward, wrapping his arm around her in an embrace.