Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 819

Agnes' cheeks were flushed, like two clouds ablaze with the setting sun.

She fidgeted in her seat, mumbling to herself in a restless undertone.

After Ryder got into the car, he managed, not without difficulty, to buckle her into the seatbelt.

But he didn't just start the car and drive away. Instead, he turned to study her face intently.

It felt like ages since he'd allowed himself such a luxury. In the past, he never dared to gaze at her so openly. After all these years, he always felt shackled, and each stolen glance was a secret treasure.

To be honest, Ryder was tired of that feeling. He was tired of lurking in the shadows, aching for the sunlight. It was blinding, it hurt, but he couldn't bring himself to settle in the dark corners where light never reached.

He didn't know how long he watched her. Memories flooded back as he looked at her face—most from their school days.

Ryder remembered when they rehearsed a play together. It was "Romeo and Juliet". He was Romeo, and she was Juliet.

Night after night, they practiced their lines in the attic of Whitfield Manor.

Sometimes, Agnes would just collapse into the hammock chair and doze off.

He'd watch her then, much like he did now, as if only when her eyes were closed could his gaze wander freely and fearlessly.

Looking back, those moments were rare sparks of joy in his life—a celebration of youth and dreams.

Eventually, Ryder started the car. He drove along the city's elevated roads, with no clear destination in mind.

He knew Agnes was living with Jared now, at Maplewood Manor.