Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
“Jarrod, don’t delude yourself into thinking you can do whatever you want. I agreed to marry you, but that doesn’t include giving in to every demand,” she retorted.
Jarrod’s eyes lazily scanned her, taking in her disheveled appearance with apparent approval. “Didn’t we already cross that line last time?”
“That was different. You know I had a reason to comply then!”
Nicole shot back with anger flaring in her eyes. She had relented previously because she needed to manage a situation with Vicki without complications. Her resistance hadn’t been full-hearted.
Now, the reality hit her. Jarrod had orchestrated these events meticulously.
He had been aware of her possession of the original video and her intentions, yet he had kept silent. Was his ultimate goal merely to manipulate her into his bed?
Upon hearing Nicole’s words, Jarrod’s lips twisted into a frigid grin. “You’re my wife. Must I employ any special tactics to be with you?”
His hand descended, exploring every vulnerable spot. Their bodies had once moved in perfect harmony, and despite the passage of years, their recent reunion had rekindled their fervor.
Jarrod knew Nicole’s form as intimately as his own. He understood precisely what would make her shudder and where she was most responsive.
Nicole’s face flushed with fury as she glared at him. “Hey. You jerk, release me…”
Jarrod leaned in closer, his warm breath caressing her smooth, delicate neck. “Are you feeling uncomfortable?” He pressed his lips and tongue to her neck, his hands embarking on an unyielding quest.
After some time, he raised his hand to her face, a self-satisfied grin spreading. “Feeling uncomfortable?”
Nicole noticed the water on his fingertips and retorted furiously, “Have you lost your mind?”
Jarrod’s alluring dark eyes mirrored Nicole’s enraged, flushed cheeks. He appeared delighted. “Just for you.” It was a torment born of desire, an insomniac’s curse, a love etched in his bones.
Jarrod yearned daily to reverse time, gain another opportunity to cherish Nicole properly and sustain her affection.
Observing his smug expression, Nicole clenched her teeth. “Anyone would respond. Don’t overestimate yourself.”
Feigning indifference to conceal her embarrassment, she huffed. “So what? I could visit a club and meet someone. They might even surpass you in skill.”
“I’ll learn,” Jarrod responded, biting her lip. “I’ll ensure I surprise you daily.”
“Jarrod Schultz!” Nicole was genuinely angry, calling him by his full name, “What kind of fantasy is this? There won’t be another chance!”
“I make you happy, so you should reciprocate, right?” Jarrod, pretending to be rational, replied.
Nicole was rendered speechless.
He leaned in again, and she averted her head. With the driver still present, she despised his behavior, her eyes brimming with tears.
It reminded her of the past when he had done similar things right in front of others… It was a thrill for him, but for Nicole, it was pure humiliation.
“What’s wrong?” Jarrod asked softly.
Nicole turned to face him. “Are you trying to humiliate me?”
Jarrod saw her expression and finally understood. Though he had draped his jacket over her, masking his teasing from the driver’s view, the sounds couldn’t be completely concealed.
The driver likely had an idea of what was happening.
However, his drivers were impeccably trained and never inclined to intrude on the backseat. Everything in the car would remain confidential, never to be disclosed.
Jarrod believed he had exercised ample discretion, yet Nicole perceived it no differently than if they were in public.
Raising the partition, Jarrod offered his apologies. “Sorry, I failed to consider that. Rest assured about the driver. He won’t utter a single word.”
Nicole averted her gaze, steadfast in her refusal to meet his eyes. Bound by his tie, her hands exacerbated her sense of despair.
Jarrod embraced her, gently undoing the knot around her wrists. “Please don’t be angry. I promise not to repeat this.”
Nicole found herself taken aback by his statement. After all, once a man became aroused, it proved challenging to halt the momentum.
The conspicuous physical alterations in him were impossible for her to overlook.
Remaining skeptical, she observed him closely. However, he stayed true to his promise, refraining from further advances until they exited the car, displaying significantly improved behavior.
However, his arousal showed no signs of diminishing. Upon reaching the villa, Nicole attempted to exit the car, but Jarrod clasped her wrist firmly.
Jarrod’s profound gaze locked onto hers, his expression inscrutable. “I released you from your obligation, and you won’t assist me?”
Nicole felt both bewildered and cautious. “Assist you in what way? Surely not here, in the car.”
“No,” Jarrod replied, shaking his head. “Shield me for a while.”
Before Nicole could comprehend, Jarrod exited the car. Then, ensuring no onlookers were present, he effortlessly scooped her into his arms.
She nestled into his embrace, his jacket enveloping her, conveniently concealing his erection. This… This surprisingly worked.
Nicole resolved to comply. She had myriad tasks ahead and sought to avoid needlessly antagonizing him.
Jarrod transported her into the house and gently placed her onto the bed.
Nicole alighted with a gentle thud, sinking into the sumptuous mattress. “What is the meaning of this?” she exclaimed, taken aback.
Jarrod leaned closer. “Advancing the previous activities.”
Nicole resisted, her voice strained. “You promised you wouldn’t do this.”
Jarrod murmured against her neck, his voice muffled, “I said not in the car. I never mentioned avoiding it at home.” His voice had turned hoarse.
And then, all words dissipated in the rhythm of the bed.
Exhausted, Nicole drifted into immediate sleep. Jarrod cradled her tenderly as he attended to her, ensuring her comfort in bed.
Nicole was undeniably fatigued. Today, returning Vicki to where she belonged had granted Nicole some solace. The emotional strain, coupled with Jarrod’s desire in her, had completely depleted Nicole.
Jarrod tenderly brushed Nicole’s hair aside and whispered, “Feel free to rely on me as much as you need, as long as you’re content.”
Nicole slept until the following day dawned. At some juncture, she vaguely sensed a maid rousing her for a meal, yet she scarcely indulged before drifting back into sleep.
The next day, the insistent ringing of the telephone finally stirred her. “Hello…” she murmured, her voice raspy.
“Miss Lawrence, this is Ethel.” It was Ethel’s crisp voice emanating from the other end.
“Oh, Ethel.”
Nicole muttered. She had saved Ethel’s number but lacked the clarity to check the screen.
“I apologize for yesterday. I was unexpectedly detained at work and couldn’t reach out to you,” Ethel apologized.
“No trouble. I got sidetracked as well and forgot to follow up.”
“I have the day off. I intend to pay a visit to Brett’s residence.”
“Where are you currently? Can you wait for me? I’d like to accompany you.”
Brett was the sole individual capable of elucidating the events leading up to Nicole’s father’s demise. Nicole harbored a desire to inquire of Brett directly.
After coordinating a meeting with Ethel, Nicole swiftly rose, prepared herself, and departed.
Presenting a nourishing soup, the maid conveyed, “Madam, Mr. Schultz mandated its consumption upon your awakening.”
“No, thank you. I must depart,” Nicole responded.
Persisting, the maid urged, “Please, indulge. Otherwise, I shall be held accountable by Mr. Schultz.”
Nicole’s expression soured. “No explanation is necessary. Simply inform him of my refusal.”
“This…” The maid was clearly distressed.
“Why not drink it?” Jarrod emerged from the corner. “Where are you rushing off to?”
Nicole was taken aback to find Jarrod still at the house. He appeared relaxed in casual attire, emerging from the study where he had likely been working for some time.
As Jarrod came down the stairs, he approached Nicole and gently smoothed her hair. “You didn’t even brush your hair properly. What’s the rush?”
A twinge of anxiety struck Nicole. Her upcoming meeting with Ethel involved matters related to Jarrod, and she preferred to keep that hidden. She paused momentarily before responding,
“Audrey invited me out for some shopping.”
Jarrod’s gaze briefly flickered. “I see.”
He chose not to probe further. Instead, he accepted a bowl of soup from the maid, handing it to Nicole.
“This will help replenish your energy. You expended quite a bit last night. Make sure you drink this before you head out.”
Despite feeling defiant, Nicole worried about arousing suspicion and reluctantly accepted the bowl, drinking the soup quickly. “All done.”