Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Nicole reached for the camera, but before her fingers could touch it, she was stopped by his taunting voice. “It’s already useless.”
Looking over, Nicole noticed the storage card was missing. Clearly, Jarrod had no intention of returning it after viewing its contents.
After all, the evil-doers captured by the camera were his cousin, his fianc?e, and his future brother-in-law, people deeply connected to him. He wouldn’t let them face any repercussions.
Facing Jarrod, Nicole said, “Since you’ve removed the storage card, I take it you’ve seen everything on it.”
“Yes, I have,” Jarrod admitted openly.
“Did you hear what your fianc?e had said?” Nicole, noticeably emotional, pressed him for an answer. “Are you certain she’s the right choice to be Austin’s stepmother?”
Actually, Jarrod had been firm in his decision after viewing the recording. But just then, Nicole’s murmured words from the previous night echoed in his mind. Even in her unconscious state, she murmured Roscoe’s name.
Jarrod then recalled Nicole’s indifference to him, scheming against him relentlessly, her determination to bring him down evident.
Thus, when it was time to speak, Jarrod changed his words. His voice was cool and detached as he replied, “It doesn’t have to be her. Any woman can fill the role of stepmother for Austin. Since no one will love him as their own, I might as well choose someone who benefits me the most.”
It was a cruel statement to make. What kind of father would consider using his child merely as a tool for personal gain?
Nicole’s anger flared, and she snapped, “Jarrod, have you lost your mind?”
When Jarrod noticed that she was no longer detached and subdued, his lips formed a subtle smile. “I’m not insane. And does it surprise you that I think this way?”
Lifting his chin with a trace of self-derision, Jarrod asked, “Don’t you always see me in this regard?”
Nicole’s hands were balled into fists, and she yelled, “Yes, to me, you’re a monster! But…”
She paused briefly and then added, “To Austin, you are his father.”
Jarrod’s heart jolted at her words. He was aware that he might not excel as a father, but with Austin in his life, he felt compelled to embrace the responsibilities of being a father. Even if he struggled, he was earnest in his attempts.
Nicole continued, “Given all this, would you really hand Austin over to that malicious woman?”
Of course, Jarrod wouldn’t. However, he kept his thoughts to himself.
His expression darkened. “That’s none of your concern.”
Nicole chuckled. “Indeed. It’s really none of my business. Mr. Schultz, you’re trying to look out for your cousin, your fianc?e, and your future brother-in-law, aren’t you? That’s on you. But whether or not you can actually keep them safe… Well, we’ll just have to see, won’t we?”
Jarrod raised an eyebrow. “What exactly are you implying?”
“I have the backup of the storage card. Did that thought ever cross your mind?” Nicole’s smile was enigmatic, adding a layer of intrigue.
Jarrod was caught off guard. He hadn’t considered Nicole capable of having a backup simultaneously.
With the advanced technology, it was certainly feasible. For a brief moment, he was unsure whether she was bluffing. He watched her face intently, searching for any tell.
Nicole maintained her composure, her voice steady. “You seem unconcerned with Austin’s safety. As his mother, it falls to me to take action. Tomorrow, I’ll expose the real faces of everyone in your precious circle to the public.”
Her tone was resolute, convincing Jarrod that she might indeed possess a backup. His expression turned grave. He pressed, “And then?”
Nicole hesitated. She was at a loss, not quite grasping his point.
Jarrod explained, “Once this is out in the open, Doreen won’t have to shoulder the blame. My sister will cover for her.
At worst, Doreen might need to spend some time abroad to let things settle, but her prospects won’t be tarnished at all.
As for Vicki and Lowe, backed by the Hamptons, I doubt you could cause them any real trouble. And suppose you do manage to get this scandal trending through money or connections, what then?”
Jarrod set his wine glass down, his face a mask of detached calm.
“Their situations are similar to Doreen’s. None of this will touch them.”
His tone grew icy. “Nicole, don’t be so naive. I might choose not to marry Vicki, but that doesn’t stop me from marrying someone else. Should I then screen whether they’re suitable for Austin?”
Nicole had never considered Jarrod’s perspective. Yet, it did have a point. The video in her possession might stop Vicki from becoming Jarrod’s wife. But what about other women who would become Jarrod’s fianc?e? How could she judge if they were fit or unfit?
As long as Jarrod held onto Austin’s custody, these looming threats would remain inevitable.
For a moment, Nicole was bewildered, staring into Jarrod’s profound eyes, puzzled by his thoughts. She inquired pointedly, “What do you want from me to secure Austin’s custody?”
Nicole would only be at ease when Austin was in her care. She had amassed just enough wealth for Austin that, while not lavish, was significantly better than the average, providing a stable foundation.
With Nicole’s money, Austin was free to pursue his passions. Should he take an interest in business, the trust fund could serve as his initial investment, potentially launching him into success under his management.
Nicole was determined to look after Austin until he reached adulthood, regardless of her own health challenges. If necessary, she would appoint a trustworthy guardian to ensure his well-being until then.
Although Jarrod was wealthy, his principles and the inherent risks associated with his lifestyle did not promise a secure environment for Austin. As a mother, she could not stand by and watch her child be exposed to such hazards.
Thus, Nicole reiterated, “I’m insisting on taking custody of Austin. His staying with you does him no good.”
Jarrod’s face remained impassive, his inner turmoil masked by a serene exterior. He had watched the recording, stunned by Vicki’s and Doreen’s merciless attack on Nicole.
He was well aware that Nicole’s endurance was for Austin’s sake. Yet, the easiest solution was within reach for Nicole. Just turning to him for help would do. She simply refused to consider it. Could he be that bad in her eyes?
Regaining his calm, Jarrod responded indifferently, “Are you certain you want to fight for custody of Austin?”
Nicole held her breath, fully aware of the gravity of her decision.
In all honesty, she wanted Austin’s custody because this was the only way she could ensure that Austin would be safe and sound.
Given Austin’s frail condition, he was vulnerable to even minor harm.
This was the primary reason Nicole had gone to great lengths to prevent Vicki from marrying Jarrod.
Although Austin’s recovery was slow, the doctor had recently assured Nicole that his condition had markedly improved, and the planned donation should proceed without issue.
Because of these developments, Nicole knew she must take Austin back to her side to ensure everything went smoothly. Failure was not an option, as it would leave her with lifelong regret.
“Of course…” Nicole began to speak.
However, she was interrupted as Jarrod gently placed his finger on her lips and whispered, “Shh.”
The slight roughness of his fingertip sent a shock through Nicole.
She felt her skin crawl and instinctively stepped back.
Instead of retreating, Jarrod stepped forward, smiling slightly.
“Nicole, if you truly want this, you need to prove your sincerity.”
Startled, Nicole quickly took another step back and asked, “What do you want?”
Before she could regain her footing, his hot breath was on her.
Jarrod pressed Nicole against the wardrobe and delivered a fierce kiss to her swollen lips, as if testing her. He then deepened the kiss, biting her Lips forcefully.
Jarrod’s aroma of alcohol froze Nicole for a moment, and then she reacted by pushing him back.
To her dismay, Jarrod bent his knees, trapping her legs, and kissed her forcefully. He held the back of her head and continued the brutal kiss, biting her intensely.
Nicole tried to escape his aggressive advances, but against his nearly six-foot frame, her efforts seemed futile.
Jarrod continued until both their lips were bloody, and the source of the blood became indistinguishable. This mingled blood stirred a misguided desire within both of them.
Trapped in his relentless kiss, Nicole let out an involuntary moan, allowing him to explore further, savoring what he took as submission.
Eventually, Nicole managed to free her arms and pushed Jarrod away forcefully, slapping him across the face.
Jarrod staggered back, and a handprint was left on his face.
“Jarrod, you’re insane!” Nicole grunted in a voice heavy with disgust.
Nicole expressed her disdain vividly, unable to come to terms with the fact that this man had kissed her. She wanted to cleanse her mouth, yet circumstances didn’t permit it.
Nicole’s reaction elicited nothing but a mocking laughter from Jarrod.
“Isn’t it too late to express your revulsion?”
Jarrod loosened the tie he had fastened this morning, approaching her with a wild, unchecked demeanor. “I was by your side last night, even using your legs…”
His gaze dropped to her long, slender legs. “Do you not want these legs as well?”
A wave of paleness washed over Nicole’s face. The eerie feeling she had felt earlier and the red handprint on her waist suddenly made horrific sense. Jarrod had taken liberties with her while she was unconscious. He had truly gone mad.
“You are vile! You’re beyond shameless. You’re despicable!” Nicole hurled a barrage of insults at him. Feeling that her earlier slap had been insufficient, she attempted another, but Jarrod seized her hand.
Jarrod pinned her arms against the wall, their foreheads and noses nearly touching. “If I were
truly all those things, the events of last night would have concluded quite differently. Do you understand?”