Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 1224

Jenny continued speaking with a sincerity that seemed to bridge the gap between them, "I know you look down on me, thinking I'm shameless. After everything I did in the past, I still have the audacity to want to be your friend. I admit, Agnes, I was wrong. I was cruel and scheming, all because jealousy clouded my judgment back then. But things are different now. Over the past few years, I've been through a lot, and I've seen the true colors of the world. I've realized that the only person who genuinely cared for me... is you, Agnes. I hope you can forgive my past ignorance and stupidity. I hope you can give me a chance to make amends. We're both mothers now, and our children are close friends. If we keep holding onto this grudge, it will only hurt them, don't you think?"

Each word from Jenny was filled with earnestness, her eyes glistening with repentance and sorrow. Yet for Agnes, whose wounds had almost healed, Jenny's words tore them open once more. Gently, Agnes withdrew her fingers from Jenny's grasp, her voice as steady as ever.

"Jenny, if this were the first time you were saying this to me, I would have believed you without hesitation. But do you remember the last time you opened up to me?" Jenny looked at Agnes, her eyes welling up with tears, playing the part of a damsel in distress.

Agnes continued, "It was back in college. You lured me to school and then, in front of Elton, deliberately fell from the stage, claiming I pushed you. You faked a miscarriage to make Elton feel guilty enough to propose to you, while smearing my name beyond redemption."

Taking a deep breath, Agnes opened her eyes, now clear and resolute, "Back then, lying in bed, feeling like the world had turned against me, I lost all hope. I'm truly scared, Jenny. So whether you're being honest now or not, I can't go through that again. I'm happy for you if you're doing well, and if you're not, it's none of my business. Our friendship was destroyed by your own hand, so let's not talk about feelings, okay?"

Agnes was genuinely afraid. The woman in front of her, with seemingly innocent eyes, was like a venomous snake that almost consumed all the goodness and hope in her life. Agnes wasn't about to be fooled again.

Seeing Agnes's indifferent demeanor, Jenny knew her usual tactics wouldn't work this time. Agnes was compassionate, but her kindness was often mistaken for indecisiveness. In the past, Agnes would agree to anything, even taking the blame for things she hadn't done, all out of a sense of righteousness.

Jenny wiped away her tears, a smile breaking through, "Well, Agnes, you've finally wisened up." Agnes couldn't help but admire Jenny's ability to switch emotions on a dime, a skill that could put award-winning actors to shame.

"So, I was just a fool in your eyes before?" Agnes asked, not really upset by the notion. Jenny, candid as ever, replied, "To me, you were an enviable fool. You never had to scheme because you were always protected, oblivious to the world's cruelty. But I've always known that in this dog-eat-dog world, you have to fight tooth and nail for what you want. Yet, Agnes, I've always envied you. Loved and protected, living a life as bright and clean as the sun."