Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 698

A bitter smile traced the corners of Agnes' mouth.

Jared refused to explain, or perhaps he simply couldn't.

But she knew she couldn't be with someone who had so many other women in his life.

He and Valeria were almost engaged.

If it weren't for the sudden revelation of Nocturne's identity, by now, Jared would be Valeria's husband.

Jared could get engaged to Valeria, he must have feelings for her.

For all these years, Valeria has been recognized as Mrs. Thomas to the world.

Then there was that actress.

Rumor had it that she'd been with Jared for three years, even had a miscarriage for him.

Her hospital records and diagnoses were dug up by the media.

Then there were the pictures of Jared accompanying her to the hospital.

It's hard not to believe all that.

There have been so many women in Jared's life, and she was just one of them.

Jared cared so much about Nocturne, Agnes started to question if he chose her just to provide Nocturne with a family.

Of course, Agnes could feel that Jared still had feelings for her.

But their relationship had suffered too many wounds.

Even if they stayed together, those unresolved issues would be like seeds of thorns planted deep.

They would take root and grow with each passing day, until their sharp spikes left them in tatters.

Agnes couldn't bear to lose again. Jared must feel the same way.

It's better to maintain a distance.

At least as friends, they wouldn't have to be so hard on each other.

Love is selfish, and it's armed with sharp blades.

Agnes didn't want to hurt Jared anymore, nor did she want to experience heart-wrenching pain again.

Agnes lowered her head, "Jared, let's just be friends."

Jared felt something sink in his heart.

Why didn't she even consider it? Why didn't she leave any room for them?

Had Ryder become so irreplaceable in these four years?

So much so that she disregarded the father-son relationship between Nocturne and himself?

Right, they were already engaged before, and Ryder was in charge of Nocturne's medical condition. Perhaps over these four years, Agnes had developed an irreplaceable dependence and trust in him. Back then, they were just classmates.

When they played Romeo and Juliet four years ago, their eyes sparkled like stars.

Jared knew Agnes always admired Ryder.

Such feelings, in a foreign place with no family, could easily turn into love.

Thinking this way, Jared felt an overwhelming pain.

"Agnes, I have to go. I have something to deal with. Don't rush to answer me. I hope you'll think about Nocturne, about our past. When I come back, we'll have a proper talk."

Jared almost fled.

He feared that if he stayed, Agnes would reject him outright.

He was afraid that Agnes would bring up Ryder.

But now, he couldn't care less.

All he wanted was to keep Agnes by his side, then figure everything out slowly.

Jared left.

In the car, his fingers clenched the steering wheel as he drove faster and faster.

He had to swallow his pride and bear everything!

Ryder was his protégé, and he was adept at psychological warfare.

Ryder knew Agnes' weaknesses, and his own, so stealing Agnes from Ryder was not going to be easy.

He'll need to plan this out carefully.