Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 995

Agnes asked, "What are you staring at?"

"Agnes, can't you just come back to me?"

She frowned, "Jared, I'm really tired of running in circles. I'm not going back to you, nor to Ryder. From now on, I want to live my life on my own terms."

A hint of disappointment crossed Jared's face. "I need to know if Ryder threatened you to leave, using the company as leverage. Tell me, your departure wasn't truly what you wanted, right? Have you been with Ryder because he's been coercing you?"

Agnes replied, "I left because Ryder used the company as a bargaining chip. He promised me many alluring deals, but he never forced me. I've never been with him."

Jared looked surprised. "Weren't you always with Ryder before..."

She seemed a bit irritated. "Jared, I'm tired of explaining my relationship with Ryder. No matter how many times I do, you never believe me, so I don't want to explain anymore."

"I believe you, Agnes, I do," Jared suddenly interjected.

He reached out, taking Agnes's hand in his, enveloping it with his warm grasp.

Agnes tried to pull away, but Jared held on firmly.

Eventually, she relented.

His palm was warm.

Wrapped in such warmth, Agnes felt as if a gentle energy was slowly flowing into her being.

"There's no need for you to change. You didn't really do anything wrong. It's just that familiarity and strangeness have changed our ways of thinking and our lives. Jared, we're not suited for a life together, or rather, I'm not suited for life with you anymore."

It pained Agnes to say such words.

She had her reservations.

She didn't want to repeat past mistakes.

Jared's voice grew heavy, "What are you trying to say?"

"Jared, I'm tired, tired of all this talk of love. I've spent four years building myself into a strong, independent woman, but by your side, I feel bound by too many things. I lack a sense of security, and that's my problem. I can't balance the complexities of life, so Jared, let's not be together anymore."