Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Nicole was taken aback. Austin often clung to Roscoe but rarely acted so needy around her, usually presenting a more mature demeanor.
Perhaps his illness had left him feeling lost and vulnerable.
Still, Nicole leaned in and cradled Austin, his small, warm body fitting snugly into her embrace. He clung tightly to her, bringing warmth to her heart.
That deep trust between mother and child made Nicole willing to sacrifice herself for him endlessly.
Roscoe had taught Austin well, and now, in Roscoe’s absence, Austin had taken on Roscoe’s role, doing his best to console Nicole.
The nanny looked on with joy. Austin had always distanced himself, believing Nicole didn’t love him. What added to the complexity was Nicole appeared distant and cold when around Austin, despite her concern for him, almost as if she were holding herself back.
Actually, Nicole didn’t want Austin to rely too much on her, so when she eventually had to leave, it wouldn’t shatter his world.
Nicole felt her own life was nearing its end, but Austin’s was only just beginning. She didn’t want to be the cause of his heartbreak.
After the nanny fed Austin a little, the doctor advised them to keep a close watch on Austin overnight because his fever might return.
Nicole immediately decided to stay by Austin’s side.
Typically, a fever would strengthen immunity, but for Austin, it was life-threatening because of his heart condition. Nicole couldn’t bear to leave.
The maid Jarrod had arranged and the nanny took turns caring for Austin, but the nanny was already worn out. Nicole sent the nanny to rest and she took over, settling into the recliner by Austin’s bed.
She wrapped herself in a blanket, determined to keep watch.
Jarrod’s maid tried her best to help, but Austin didn’t accept her fully, as she was new to him.
Sick children tend to be fussier than usual, and besides the nanny, Austin only wanted Nicole. Even at his most difficult moments, he would refuse Nicole, only wanting the nanny.
During the night, Austin’s temperature rose again. Nicole patiently changed his compresses and encouraged him to drink water. She stayed by his side all night, and as dawn broke, so did Austin’s fever.
Nicole sighed deeply with relief, exhausted. She leaned back in the chair and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
When the nanny arrived to take over, she noticed Nicole sleeping in the chair and worried it wasn’t comfortable. She tried calling out gently to wake Nicole up and let Nicole rest in bed. “Miss?” she called, but Nicole didn’t respond.
Already in poor health, Nicole was sleeping deeply after the ordeal.
The nanny reached out to nudge Nicole awake, but a firm, lean hand reached her first.
Jarrod lifted Nicole effortlessly into his arms.
Surprised, the nanny stammered, “Mr. Schultz…”
But Jarrod’s sharp gaze silenced her. In a low, firm voice, he warned, “Your job is to watch over Austin.”
If it hadn’t been for Austin’s mysterious crying fits at night, Jarrod would have already fired the nanny.
Upon being brought here, the nanny recognized Jarrod immediately as Austin’s biological father. The resemblance was striking, as if they had been carved from the same mold. Even their manner of speaking and gestures mirrored each other.
Since childhood, Austin had always been reserved and rarely shared his feelings, likely inheriting his father’s temperament.
The nanny knew there wasn’t much she could do. She’d heard from Nicole that Austin’s biological father was a shrewd man with a strong desire for control.
Nicole had warned the nanny against confronting Jarrod if she ever crossed paths with him. If he was determined to take Austin away, she should let him, knowing that he wouldn’t hurt Austin but might harm others.
Thankfully, the nanny had acted wisely, grabbing a pile of medications and pointing out that Austin was frail and only she knew the proper dosage, making her presence by Austin’s side crucial.
Only then did Jarrod reluctantly agree to bring her along.
Now in the villa, the nanny got to know Jarrod better through those around him. Though he was strict, he generally kept to himself unless provoked, rules were broken, or lines were crossed.
With Austin now down with a fever, the nanny didn’t want to challenge Jarrod outright. She quietly stepped aside, gently urging, “Mr. Schultz, Miss Lawrence has been up all night. She needs her rest…”
Her voice trailed off under Jarrod’s intense gaze, and she fell silent.
Jarrod’s tone was ice-cold. “Stick to your duties. I’m only saying this once.”
The nanny stood helplessly as Jarrod took Nicole away, watching as he carefully raised his hand to shield Nicole’s head from the doorframe.
All the nanny could do was hope that Jarrod would treat Nicole with kindness.
Carrying Nicole, Jarrod made his way to his room. He kicked the door open and laid her gently on the large bed.
Suddenly, his arms felt oddly empty. He realized he yearned for the sensation of her petite, compliant form against him just moments ago.
Lying on her side, Nicole slept soundly, her disheveled hair partially covering her face and hiding her delicate features. Only her full, cherry-red lips were visible, captivatingly beautiful.
Her lips, naturally crimson, stood out, delicate and lovely.
Jarrod leaned in close, fighting the urge to do more, and gently tucked her stray hair behind her ear.
After gazing at her for a long moment, he mused that she should remain this peaceful and obedient forever.
When the sound of the door closing faded, Nicole’s eyes opened.
The very next moment, Nicole headed barefoot to the medicine cabinet in Jarrod’s bedroom.
Nicole knew that to win back custody of Austin, she needed solid proof. She recalled how Jarrod used to take those special pills to keep his mind balanced, but they came from a doctor he saw outside the usual hospital. He had never received a prescription from a hospital.
Proving that Jarrod was on psychiatric medication could demonstrate that he was not suitable to raise the child. Raising a child was risky for someone whose mental health could deteriorate at any moment.
She couldn’t find the medicine in the cabinet. Stretching on tiptoes, she tried to reach the top shelf for the medicine box, but it was too high.
Left with no other option, Nicole fetched a stool to retrieve the medicine box.
As she grabbed the medicine box, she forgot she was still perched on the stool. She swayed and was about to fall Silently, she covered her mouth, fearing a cry might draw attention.
Instead of falling, she landed in a firm embrace, her heart skipping a beat.
The medicine box tumbled from her hands, spilling its contents across the floor.
Then, a voice from above her asked, “What are you looking for?”
Jarrod’s handsome yet mocking face peered down at her.
Caught off guard, Nicole quickly replied, “I’m not feeling well. I need some medicine.”
“What’s wrong with you?” Jarrod asked calmly.
“I have a headache,” Nicole lied.
Jarrod picked up a medicine box from the scattered mess on the ground and offered it to her, saying, “Take this. It will help your headache.”
Nicole wouldn’t dare touch it. Who knew what sort of medicine Jarrod might offer? He hadn’t even checked what he was offering.
“I feel better now,” Nicole said, shaking her head.
Jarrod’s smile didn’t reach his eyes as he said, “Just tell me what you need. I’ll find it for you.”
As he spoke, he suddenly pushed her against the cabinet.
“Ah!” Nicole yelled. “Jarrod, what are you doing?”
Jarrod, his hoarse voice and eyes filled with desire, responded, “You know.”
Anger blazed in Nicole’s cheeks. She fought against Jarrod’s grip, feeling her thigh held tight and her body pinned against the cabinet door.
“Ouch…” Nicole winced. “You’re nuts! You can’t just touch me like that. It’s against the law!”
Jarrod’s sneer quickly replaced the lust in his eyes.
He bent down and grabbed a box of pills covered in strange words.
Holding it up, he said, “This is what you’re after.”
His voice was resolute.
Nicole’s eyes widened in recognition. This was the medication for the mental illness she had been searching for.
In front of her, Jarrod defiantly put two capsules into his mouth, chewed, and swallowed.
Suddenly, he grasped Nicole’s chin and kissed her forcefully, spilling the powdered contents over her.
“Hmm…” Nicole tried to resist, but his grip was too tight.
She had to extend her leg and give him a strong kick. But the moment she did, he pinned her down, and she tumbled to the ground.
Nicole landed on a soft Persian carpet. Though it cushioned her fall, the position was still humiliating and invasive.
Jarrod kissed Nicole with an urgency that seemed like he wanted to claim her completely.