Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 1237

Old Mr. Whitfield took another swig of his bourbon, his eyes distant as he spoke, "I've only got one daughter, Alyssa, in this world. When it comes down to it, she's the apple of my eye. All I ever wanted was for her to be happy, to live a life full of joy. But then she crossed paths with Michael Albert, and it was like fate played a cruel joke on us. Her life hasn't been the happiest, and that weighs heavy on my heart. But now, after all these years, she's finally found some clarity. Seeing Ryder the way he is now has somehow helped her let go of that obsession with Michael. I can't decide if that makes me glad or sad. She's living with Ryder's dad now, and they seem to be getting along just fine. Knowing that, I could meet Alyssa's mother in the afterlife without regrets."

Mr. Whitfield's profound fatherly love for Alyssa took Agnes by surprise.

He grasped Agnes's hand firmly, "Promise me you'll take good care of Jared. If you two are happy, Alyssa will have peace of mind. I don't have much time left, but please, look after Alyssa for me, will you?"

Agnes nodded earnestly, "Don't worry, I'll make sure Jared and I take good care of her and Ryder."

Mr. Whitfield sighed, "I always hoped that in my lifetime, I might hear Jared call me Grandpa and Alyssa, Mom. But with Jared's temperament, that seems like a distant dream."

He was truly drunk that evening.

Jared was stuck at work and couldn't make it.

So it was just Agnes and the old man at the dining table.

Mr. Whitfield poured his heart out, sharing stories and sentiments that dissolved any previous barriers between them.

Finally, Agnes helped him up to his room to rest, a room she was entering for the first time despite her many visits to Whitfield Manor.

Mr. Whitfield spent most of his time in the study, only retreating to his bedroom to sleep.

After settling him in, Agnes was about to leave when she accidentally knocked over a picture frame by the bed.