Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 848

Juggling two sizzling hot dogs in one hand and a carton of steaming hot fries in the other, Agnes was clearly outmatched.

The fries, fresh from the fryer, were handed to Ryder. "Here, look after your fries. My hands are full, I can't double as your waitress." Cradling the fries, Ryder chuckled. "I saw you eyeing the food truck like it was your long-lost love. That's why I grabbed one for you." "Nonsense! Don't go spreading rumors," Agnes retorted with a playful glare.

They strolled out of the bustling street, laughter trailing behind them.

Together, they hopped into Agnes' car.

Meanwhile, the tinted window of a sleek black sedan rolled up quietly.

Reflected in the glass was Jared's stern profile.

He had rescheduled his evening plans to join Agnes on a nostalgic trip back to campus.

Yet, he hadn't anticipated this scene - her carefree laughter with Ryder, as if they were any typical college couple.

Jared had to admit, jealousy was gnawing at him. But he also knew that Agnes' affection for Ryder was nothing more than platonic.

He shouldn't be upset. His relationship with Agnes was hard-won, fragile even.

Jared feared that endless quarrels over Ryder could shake its foundation. But he was well aware of Ryder's intentions, his refusal to back down. What was he plotting now? Jared couldn't be sure. Ryder's words, however, lingered like thorns, deeply embedded in Jared's heart.

In the end, he drove off into the night, leaving his thoughts to dissolve in the darkness.

Once they reached Ryder's upscale apartment building, Agnes pulled over.

Ryder leaned in the open window. "Want to come up for a bit?"

Agnes shook her head. "It's late. I should get home."

He didn't press, simply changing the subject. "How's the new trial drug from Nocturne Pharmaceuticals doing?"

Though Ryder had left Novy Medical Team, his concern for Nocturne's progress never waned.

Agnes knew he pored over Nocturne's treatment records and often video-conferenced for crucial research meetings.

"The results are promising," Agnes shared. "He's staying awake longer each day."

Her voice betrayed a touch of sadness. Nocturne was already five. Most kids his age were in kindergarten, but his condition made that impossible.

Though a prodigy, Nocturne was missing out on the normalcy of childhood-the scarcity of voices and vibrancy in his life.

Agnes' greatest wish was for him to attend school, to have friends his age to play and grow with.

The latest breakthrough from Nocturne Pharmaceuticals had indeed made a difference.

Each day, Nocturne woke up twice-once in the morning and again in the evening.

Even if the mornings were brief and groggy, it was a monumental step for him. "Thank you, Ryder," Agnes said, her gratitude evident.

For Nocturne's sake, she would always hold a deep appreciation for Ryder.