The loneliness dragged him deeper, like sinking into quicksand.
Nicole herself felt she might lose her grip on reality. Her thoughts churned as if her head would explode. Dont you feel despicable? You hid my mother and found Austin, using them as pawns to control me.
Despicable? Jarrod scoffed icily. Maybe I am, but only because you pushed me to it!
Nicole hung her head, numb to his words.
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Jarrod grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. Dont you realize I could crush you like an ant? Yet, how did you treat me? You stabbed me and stole documents to have me locked up. You tried to kill me. And still, Ive spared you, time and again. While you were cooing with another man, I couldnt sleep and searched frantically for you. Do you even have a heart, Nicole? Did you ever think of me while you reveled in those happy moments?
Jarrod trembled with rage as he spoke. Despite everything, he still couldnt force her compliance. He fixed his intense gaze on her, as if wanting to absorb her entirely. He loved and hated her simultaneously, torn apart by his emotions.
I hate you I hate you Nicole sobbed, her voice muffled.
Jarrod pulled Nicole into his arms, and she immediately screamed, Dont touch me! Dont, dont! Dont touch me!
She pounded on his chest with all her might, but her blows felt Like soft rain to him, barely noticeable.
With determination, Jarrod drew her into his arms, holding her tightly, almost to the point of breaking her delicate frame.
A tear rolled down Jarrods cheek, wetting his lashes. I hate you too, Nicole. Just as much as you hate me. But I cant help it
Why couldnt she just submit for once? Was that really too much to ask? If he didnt stand firm, shed avoid him like the plague. If he didnt act despicably, shed be gone for good.
Jarrod leaned in, pressing his lips against hers roughly. For him, possession was enough, even if love was lacking.
Nicole struggled to pull away, tears streaming down her face like a river breaking its dam. Jarrod, dont touch me Not here. This scene was a throwback to the beginning, back in her fathers hospital room, when Jarrod had acted just as callously. He ignored her parents, decency, and humanity, acting like an animal.
Jarrod looked down at the trembling Nicole and realized he couldnt keep going. He lifted her into his arms and carried her out of the hospital room.
Once inside the car, Nicole curled into a corner, sobbing as if trying to cry out every tear she had. If it were just Austin, maybe she could endure. But she had her mother to consider. She would do anything to protect them, even if it cost her life. Wasnt fate just cruel? How could it be so unfair to her?
Jarrod brought Nicole back to the Oasis Apartment, and she felt like she was returning to a cage.
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Nicole stood hesitantly at the doorstep, unable to move forward.
Jarrod glanced back, his lips curling into a sneer. Whats the matter? Think the place you once lived in is dirty?
Nicole tried to muster her courage, but the thought of stepping inside terrified her. It meant continuing her complicated, tangled relationship with Jarrod. She stared at him from the doorway and said coldly, I want to see Austin. Hes not well.
Jarrods expression turned icy. You know hes not well? Then you hid him out there for so long?
Jarrod had been too preoccupied searching for Nicole to get Austin checked since his return.
Jarrod didnt have strong feelings for Austin. Jarrods father had ruled with a heavy hand, and affection in the Schultz family was always scarce.
So, Jarrod resorted to his fathers strict standards, not knowing how normal families functioned. Of course, he wouldnt use a belt for small mistakes like his father had. Austin looked so delicate that even a belt could prove fatal.