Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 1063

At this moment, Agnes felt that words were useless. With a direct approach, she asked, "What will it take for you to reveal the location of the drug maker? What are your terms?"

Ryder's gaze was heavy as he looked at Agnes before saying, "Marry me."

Agnes was momentarily stunned. Then, frowning, she asked, "Ryder, you what?"

A smirk played on Ryder's lips. "Marry me, and I'll tell you where the drug maker is. Catching him is the only way to find the mastermind behind all this and clear your uncle's name."

Agnes had braced herself for anything. She had even considered that Ryder might ask her to leave town with him. But marriage? That was something she hadn't anticipated.

Agnes's expression darkened. Ryder's arm rested on her shoulder. "This is my only condition. Just marry me, and that'll be enough."

"But, Ryder, do you really think that by marrying me, you'll have me? I'll only resent you, not love you," Agnes said.

Ryder smiled. "Agnes, as long as you're by my side, I don't need your love, just your presence."

Having her by his side would give him at least a semblance of warmth. Love was something he dared not hope for anymore. Even hate was preferable—it meant he still existed in her heart.

Agnes's gaze was heavy as she looked at Ryder. Her fingers tightened gradually, feeling as if she were sinking into a vast swamp. The more she struggled, the deeper she sank. Agnes felt as if the swamp's mud was about to cover her head, leaving her unable to breathe.