Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)

Ryder found the food at the Thomas Group utterly unpalatable.

Agnes, not one to let her nephew suffer the indignity of bad hospital food, had gone out and bought a portable induction cooker, taking it upon herself to whip up some comfort food - homemade porridge with all sorts of variations.

One evening, she simmered a savory fish chowder, its aroma wafting through Ryder's room.

Ryder was on the mend, up and about. The doctors were impressed. Youth and a solid foundation, coupled with his own medical knowledge, were on his side.

When Agnes walked in, Ryder was struggling into his jacket. His one hand wasn't cooperating, and he'd been wrestling with it for a while without success.

Agnes hurried over to help, carefully sliding the jacket onto his shoulders.

Then, standing in front of him, she began to fasten the buttons. She was focused, perhaps too intently, on the small task at hand. Honestly, it felt a tad intimate for her liking. She'd only done this for one other man in her life - Jared.

But just the thought of Jared sent a pang of bitterness through her.

Once she finished, she looked up to find Ryder staring at her, his eyes deep and fathomless as a starry sky. There seemed to be a whirlpool of emotions swirling within them.

And those eyes... they were so similar to Jared's. For a moment, Agnes felt as if it were Jared standing before her. Both men had a certain magnetism in their gaze, an intensity that made you feel exposed, without refuge.

Caught in the moment, Agnes forgot to look away. But Ryder, he bent his head, leaning in slowly, cautiously-as if testing the waters.

Agnes, however, was staring at those pair of eyes, she was still haunted by thoughts of Jared, which had been tormenting her lately. She forgot to move away.

Just as Ryder's lips were about to brush against hers, there was a sharp knock at the door.

Both turned to see who it was - Alyssa Whitfield...

And standing beside her, the one who had knocked with such authority, was... Jared.

Alyssa looked on with a shock that bordered on disbelief, while Jared's expression was one of icy calm, yet with an undertone of dark intensity.

They must have seen the scene just now, but Agnes was at a loss for words.

Ryder, in contrast, seemed nonchalant. "Mom, Uncle, you're here," he said simply.

Alyssa stepped in, concern etched on her face. "I've been in Manhattan the last few days, only heard about your accident yesterday. How did this happen? How's your hand?"

"It's nothing to worry about," Ryder replied casually, "I'm fine now."

Alyssa, seeing Ryder thin and bruised, felt her heart tighten with distress.

Agnes spoke up, "You guys talk. I'll step out."

The awkwardness of the moment weighed heavily on Agnes. Alyssa must have her own concerns, especially after Agnes had sworn she'd never see Ryder again. Now, it seemed no explanation could suffice. Agnes left the room, with Jared following suit. She knew he was right behind her as she made her way to the adjacent ward she had stayed in before.

Jared entered after her.

Agnes turned to face him, a weary resignation in her voice, "Is there something you want to say to me?"