Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 993

Aunt Mamie continued, her voice laced with concern, "I don't know what exactly went down between you two, but isn't there any misunderstanding that can't be cleared up? Have you really fallen out of love with him? Do you honestly want to cut ties with him for good? I think Nocturne will be heartbroken. Your uncle and I overcame so many obstacles, even the gnarly vines of societal norms and ethics, just to be together. Do you have any idea how much effort we put in? I used to be so envious of you. But you're different. Whenever things get tough, you always choose to bolt. You think that's the best way to protect the other person, that you should take on all the pain. But Agnes, that's just in your head. Pain is a funny thing—it actually halves when shared with a loved one. Here I am, pregnant and beyond content with life, cherishing every moment, and the only thing I'm worried about is you and him."

Mamie took Agnes's hands in hers. "Jared has already lost so much, the company is gone, but I believe that's not what's most important to him. With his brilliance and smarts, he could bounce back anytime he chooses. What's truly terrifying is losing the will to fight, losing faith in life. He's teetering on the edge of that abyss right now, and I reckon that's far worse than the torment of drowning his sorrows in booze. Agnes, why must two people who clearly love each other torment one another like this?"

Agnes stood at the threshold, her emotions a tangled mess.

Sure, there were plenty of misunderstandings between her and Jared.

But even if they cleared them up, it didn't mean they could be together without reservations.

It wasn't the misunderstandings that mattered, but the way they were with each other.

After four years, so much had changed.

Trust issues, walking on eggshells, exhaustion.

And then there was Valeria and Ryder.

If she got back with Jared, Ryder would come after him.

Agnes was scared. Ryder seemed to be at his breaking point, on the brink of madness.

She had no idea what he might do next.

So it wasn't that Agnes didn't want to reconcile, she was just afraid.

She had already brought so much turmoil into Jared's life.

She couldn't afford to cause him more trouble.