Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Witnessing Nicole’s acceptance of her duty to tend to Jarrod left Audrey no choice but to agree, “Fine, but promise me you’ll inform me if anything happens, okay?”
Nicole made her way back to Jarrod’s room.
Upon entering, Nicole noticed Jarrod, looking unwell yet still busy at his computer. She hadn’t anticipated his commitment to work. Her investigation indicated Jarrod had distanced himself from the company’s daily affairs for the first three years after her departure.
Without a solid system and Alec’s faithful oversight, the Schultz empire could have crumbled within three years.
Even though the Schultz company had slipped from the top ranks in Ardlens, it was still a powerhouse to be reckoned with.
Upon noticing Nicole, Jarrod closed his laptop and said, “It’s time for my medication.” He intended for her to feed him.
Despite his calm tone, Nicole felt a shiver run down her spine. This was not the first time she had helped him with his medicine since his awakening. He had been equally serene before, not probing her actions.
The reasoning behind his behavior puzzled Nicole. She took the bowl containing the herbal medicine, aimed at speeding up the healing process, and spoon-fed him.
Jarrod accepted each spoonful as though it was something delightful.
Given the medicine’s inherent bitterness, it should be consumed quickly to prevent an upset stomach. However, Jarrod preferred being spoon-fed by Nicole.
After he had taken all his medicine, Nicole dabbed his mouth with a tissue, much like one would care for a patient.
Showing a hint of vulnerability, Jarrod said to Nicole in a softer tone, “Thank you.”
Their interaction was notably calm, a first for them.
Breaking the silence, Nicole said, “Jarrod, I need to inform my family and have some work to catch up on. May I use my phone?”
Handing her his phone, Jarrod said, “Feel free.”
“I need my phone, though.”
Adjusting the angle of his bed, Jarrod gave her a smirk and asked, “And who do you intend to reach with your phone?”
“I have some orders to take care of…”
Before Nicole could elaborate, Jarrod interrupted with a laugh and said, “From this moment, you’re to avoid any interaction or communication with anyone named Watts, or they’ll face consequences.”
Nicole responded sharply, “Jarrod, what makes you think I’ll obey you?”
Nicole pondered Roscoe’s return to the Watts family might actually be a blessing in disguise. At the very least, Jarrod would have to reconsider any actions against Roscoe.
“Do you believe Roscoe’s association with the Watts family makes him invulnerable?” Jarrod seemed to read Nicole’s mind.
He then abruptly held her chin tightly and said, “Nicole, you’re underestimating me.”
Undeterred, Nicole retorted, “Jarrod, is intimidation all you’re capable of? Have you become so desperate that you resort to these measures?”
Jarrod replied with a sneer, “As long as it works on you.”
He was indifferent to the method as long as it served his purpose.
Whether it was pulling the Schultz family from the brink of disaster or executing grand plans, his methods had always been unyielding.
Just like Jarrod had once reclaimed the reins of the Schultz empire with sheer determination, he aimed to ensure Nicole remained by his side, employing that same determination. The woman Jarrod set his sights on would remain untouched by others.
“There’s nothing inappropriate between Roscoe and me. You’re seeing things that aren’t there,” Nicole asserted.
Jarrod felt reassured by her words. Although Nicole might despise him, she wasn’t deceitful toward him.
His mood lightened, and he gently said, “Just stay well and by my side, and no harm will come your way. Also, I have some good news for you.”
“Good news?” Nicole laughed and said, “Jarrod, do you want to know what would truly be good news for me? Seeing you pay for what happened to my father, would be genuine good news.”
Unmoved, Jarrod replied casually, “The news is indeed positive, but I’m not ready to share it just yet.”
Nicole was convinced Jarrod had lost his senses. His statements didn’t make any sense. The “good news” from Jarrod was something she didn’t even want to contemplate.
“Perhaps we’ll share good news later on.” Nicole smirked.
Jarrod’s curiosity peaked, he lifted an eyebrow, and said, “You’ve got good news for me as well?”
“Yes. Are you excited to hear it Nicole asked with a smile.
Jarrod was aware that any good news coming from Nicole would undoubtedly concern him, and probably not in a way he’d appreciate.
He managed a small smile and said, “I’m eager to hear it.”
Then, he said, “Assist me with cleaning up.”
Nicole’s demeanor turned icy and said, “That’s a task for the nurses.”
“I’d prefer you to handle it,” Jarrod said firmly.
“Jarrod, keep wishing!” Nicole thought he was utterly without shame.
“Wash me, and I’ll let you use the phone for a brief ten minutes,”
Jarrod said, tempting her.
Nicole reluctantly agreed, “Fine.” She saw this as an opportunity to torment him, given his vulnerable state.
Gathering water, Nicole squeezed the towel dry, while Jarrod didn’t move. She instructed, “Open your shirt.”
“Do you expect a patient to do that himself?”
“Your hands are fine,” Nicole said.
“Yet, I lack the strength to do so,” Jarrod claimed earnestly.
Nicole vividly remembered his strong grip on her chin earlier. She roughly unbuttoned his shirt, showing no softness in her approach.
She didn’t soften her touch even when near his injuries.
Jarrod had let his physical condition slide previously but had worked his way back to fitness, boasting an impressive physique. His solid muscles radiated a potent masculine presence.
As Nicole applied pressure to Jarrod’s wound, his tone became husky as he said, “Biting me might leave a deeper mark.”
Nicole paused, sensing an unusual tone in his voice. Upon a closer look, she fully grasped the situation. Her face instantly twisted in revulsion.
This revulsion seemed to deepen the shadow in Jarrod’s eyes. He abruptly caught Nicole’s hand, holding onto her.
For a moment, Nicole was stunned. Then, feeling as though a boundary had been breached, she attempted to pull away, but Jarrod pinned her effortlessly against his chest.
Despite his injuries, Jarrod subdued Nicole easily.
Jarrod’s voice, low and deep, said, “Nicole, let me enjoy myself, or we can go all the way. You choose.”
Hearing Jarrod’s words, Nicole clenched her jaw in frustration, her voice laced with venom, saying, “If you think I won’t retaliate, then keep provoking me!”
Jarrod’s amusement at her defiance was evident. Holding Nicole closer, he chuckled and said, “Babe, feel free to retaliate as you please.”
Chills ran down Nicole’s spine. Jarrod’s madness was evident! Nicole was left speechless.
“You beast!” Nicole’s arm tensed as she clenched her teeth and cursed.
Yet, Jarrod seemed unaffected, his tone deepening, and said, “I’m flattered.”
After a moment, Nicole’s hands were finally freed. Her palms felt scorched.
Tremors ran through Nicole, fingers numb, her lips pale from pressure.
Instinctively, she poked at his injury.
Jarrod hissed instantly. The erotic tension, which had just peaked, had yet to dissipate. The poke elicited a sensation that was both painful and pleasurable for him.
“Jarrod, you’re repulsive!”
Jarrod simply smirked, his voice low and husky, saying, “The price of poking me.”
Anger blazed in Nicole’s eyes as she attempted to slap him, but Jarrod seized her hand tightly, guiding it toward his wound.
He pressed her hand, repeatedly pushing it inwards. A cold and impassive expression settled over his handsome features.
“Does this satisfy you?” His tone remained eerily calm, yet beneath the surface lurked a madness, destructive and suffocating.
Jarrod’s wound reopened, and Nicole’s hand now was covered in his blood.
Nicole gasped for breath, saying, “You… You are insane!”
Jarrod appeared to be devoid of any sense of pain as he forcefully pressed her hand on his wound as though he intended to insert her hand into the freshly stitched wound and extract the heart within.