Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared) novel Chapter 969

"Agnes," Ryder implored, his voice heavy with emotion, "you can't keep shrugging this off onto me like it's nothing. Whether I pursue medicine or drop out, that's my business. The feud with Jared, that shouldn't be your cross to bear. You shouldn't have to shoulder this kind of decision."

Agnes had to admit, she wanted to wipe the slate clean from all of this mess.

The choices Ryder talked about felt like two colossal boulders pressing down on her shoulders.

Could her decision really dictate the destinies of these two men?

Ryder suddenly grasped her hand, his eyes burning with a desperate intensity. "Don't run from this, Agnes. You're going to have to face it eventually. You've got to choose between me and my uncle."

"Ryder, don't push me into a corner," Agnes shot back, her voice laced with frustration. "Why should you even be a part of this choice? I never said I wanted to be with you. My only choice is whether or not to be with Jared."

The weight of the situation was giving her a headache. She had always been clear about setting boundaries with Ryder. Yet he never seemed to give up.

But Agnes hadn't expected him to corner her so decisively, forcing her to make a choice.

Yet she owed Ryder a lot, perhaps even her life and more.

And then there was Jared...

"I know you've never considered me in your choices," Ryder admitted, a touch of bitterness in his voice. "That's why I have to force my hand, to carve out some space in your life, to give myself a fighting chance."

"I'm not choosing, Ryder. Whatever you decide to do, it's not my concern," Agnes stated, trying to extricate herself from the situation.

"You know damn well everything I do, I do for you."