Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 978

Ryder stood poised at the threshold of the VIP lounge.

Today, he seemed to have dressed with deliberate care, donning his attire with a dashing flair.

Clad in a sleek black trench coat, he exuded a restrained, cool charm, reminiscent of a prince straight out of an English oil painting.

Upon catching sight of Agnes, a smile finally graced Ryder's features. It was a warm smile, like a long-held wish fulfilled, brimming with boundless optimism for the future.

Agnes merely held his gaze steadily for a few seconds, her expression icy.

Ryder, I may have agreed to come with you today, but you know we're no longer friends.

From a distance, Ryder watched over Agnes. In his heart, he knew the truth.

He had laid out numerous conditions, but what mattered most to Agnes was sparing Jared from losing everything because of her.

In the end, he had exploited Agnes' love for Jared, and in some ways, he had already severed Agnes' trust in him.

Perhaps she would never again consider him a friend.

But Ryder didn't care.

To him, the label of 'friend' was a double-edged sword. It kept him from straying too far, yet it also barred him from getting too close.

He was tired of merely watching from afar.

So, even if he had to personally sever this bond, it was a sacrifice he was willing to make.

Agnes was now approaching him.

With each step she took in his direction, Ryder felt the weight in his chest slowly settle back into place.

He had spent the entire day here, didn’t drink or eat, his only worry being that Agnes might not show.

She said she needed time to think. So, he had called her, reiterating last night's conditions.

Still, doubt lingered in Ryder's mind.

But ultimately, Agnes had appeared.

Ryder had never felt such elation.