Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)

Agnes Pritchard paused by the car, a frown creasing her forehead. "Ryder, you didn't have to hit him. I already gave him a piece of my mind. What if you had hurt your hand? What then?" Ryder's expression remained frosty, unfazed by her concern.

"Why did you even go to that dinner party? That's not really your scene," he said coolly.

Agnes let out a sigh. "I was cornered into it."

"Was it the station manager giving you a hard time?"

She replied matter-of-factly, "Not exactly. He probably thought the marketing director at Deep Abyss would favor the TV station because of me. But my relationship with Jared hasn't been made public. That guy didn't even recognize me."

Ryder still looked displeased. "You shouldn't attend those kinds of gatherings anymore."

Agnes chuckled. "Got it. I can handle myself."

"I'll drive you home," Ryder insisted.

"There's no need. You know my place is just around the corner. A few steps and I'm there."

Agnes was currently living in the grandiose Pritchard Mansion, a mere stone's throw from where they stood.

"You should head back. It's late," she added.

Instead of getting into his car, Ryder said, "Then I'll walk you."

Surprised, Agnes protested. "Really, there's no need. It's such a short walk. Are you worried I'll get lost?"

Ryder was dead serious. "I'm not worried about you getting lost. I just want to spend more time with you."

Agnes felt her heart skip a beat. Every time Ryder said something like that, her mind went blank, and she didn't know how to respond. While she was still processing his words, Ryder had already started walking with that confident stride of his.

"Come on," he called back to her.

Reluctantly, Agnes followed.

They walked together at a leisurely pace until they reached a stretch of sidewalk where the streetlight was out, shrouding the area in darkness.

Mason drove slowly behind them, the car's headlights casting a path of light for them to walk on. The bright beams contrasted with the surrounding gloom, making them seem as if they were walking through a spotlight.

Agnes laughed. "When was the last time we walked like this? I remember after drama club rehearsals in high school, we'd always head home late. Once, my bike broke down, and you walked with me all the way to Whitfield Manor. It took us about three hours, and by the time we got there, it was nearly midnight. I was exhausted."

The reminiscence seemed to relax her.

Actually, those memories were precious to Agnes, a time of innocence and joy she cherished deeply.

A slight smile played on Ryder's lips. "Actually, it was Cecile Higgins who punctured your tire, sabotaged it on purpose."

Agnes was taken aback. "You knew? Why didn't you tell me?"

She remembered multiple incidents of flat tires back then but hadn't thought much of it at the time.

Ryder explained, "I thought it was for the best. Otherwise, how would I have gotten to spend three whole hours alone with you?"

Hearing this, Agnes felt a bittersweet pang. "Ryder, you..."

For a moment, she didn't know what to say.

Ryder lightened the mood on purpose. "Do you think I'm a bit bad sometimes?"

Agnes pretended to scowl. "Absolutely rotten, just like your uncle."