Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 1269

Phenix whispered, "Does it hurt, Kearney? Does it feel like dying would be a relief?"

"Phenix, why are you doing this to me? Why..." Kearney's voice trailed off into silence.

Phenix's eyes blazed with a fierce intensity as he continued, "Kearney, I can't let you off that easily. I want you to experience a living hell, the same hell I went through. Do you know what the worst thing in the world is? It's letting you taste happiness, only to rip it away when you least expect it. Just like you did to me, Kearney. I'm just giving back what you gave me. Does it hurt? It should. I was in agony too when you killed Sean. Did you think about me then?"

Phenix's voice rose to a crescendo, almost a scream.

Agnes had never seen Phenix so unhinged, so consumed by rage. But now, she understood everything. It was all a carefully woven web, spun by Phenix.

She hadn't forgotten Kearney or confused him with Sean. Everything had been leading to this moment. Their trip to the Australian ranch was just a ploy to lull Kearney into a false sense of security, to make him believe he had found happiness, even redemption.

And just when he'd begun to hope again, she was there to tear it all away, shattering him physically and mentally. Agnes felt a chill run down her spine.

Phenix held a gun, pointing it at Kearney.

Kearney chuckled bitterly, "Go ahead, kill me. I'd be happy to die by your hand, Phenix. I don't regret killing Sean. At least I had you once. No regrets."

Phenix suddenly rushed to the edge of the deck. Agnes, realizing what was about to happen, sprinted after him, grabbing his hand just as he reached the railing.

But the deck's railings had been tampered with, and together, they teetered over the edge...

A gunshot rang out amidst the chaos, swallowed by the roar of a massive wave crashing over the ship.

The railings gave way, and Phenix plunged into the sea, pulling Agnes with him...