Chapter 111
I'll Let You Get What You Want "Jarrod Schultz!" Nicole's voice rasped, sounding like rotten wood as she enunciated each syllable.
The atmosphere grew increasingly stifling, making her feel as though her life was slipping away.
A memory of her mother holding a birthday cake flashed before her eyes.
"Make a wish, Nicole!" Her mother gazed at her as if she were the most precious gem.
Would her mother ever come to terms with her death? The thought prompted large tears to spill from Nicole's swollen eyes.
What had she done to deserve this? Jarrod's eyes blazed, unhinged.
His grip tightened around Nicole's fragile neck, almost snapping it.
He chastised himself internally.
He'd felt compassion for this woman, even pitied her last night.
When his father passed away in jail and his mother took her own life, he'd been left with nothing.
She had mocked him back then, and he'd shrugged it off only yesterday.
But what about her? She found him repulsive.
Her words echoed those in some damning video, belittling him and declaring that he deserved to be deceived.
His loathing for her intensified.
With a scornful smirk, Jarrod made a chilling vow.
He had no more sympathy for her.
Her actions had proven she was undeserving of it.
She would remain ensnared by him for the rest of her days, as long as she lived.
His intent was clear.
It was to make her suffer indefinitely.
Jarrod closed in on Nicole with malevolent eyes, whispering a sinister vow into her ear, "You'll be in agony for the rest of your days, Nicole.” Nicole remained silent.
Her glazed eyes and bruised face made Jarrod abruptly loosen his grip, as if snapping back to reality.
Once she could breathe, Nicole inhaled deeply, like a dry fish finding water.
Her complexion matched the whiteness of the bed sheet.
She recalled her bizarre dream.
In her sleep, Jarrod had held her tenderly, caressing her hair as though they were newfound lovers.
That compassionate Jarrod only existed in her fantasies.
Divine mercy would never touch her again.
Staring at the woman he deemed deceitfully pathetic, Jarrod's mood darkened.
He issued a brief command, "Consider it an accident.
Be cautious with your words.” A flush of rage colored Nicole's face.
She felt utterly humiliated.
Were he and Jamie both plotting against her? She questioned, “Jarrod, where's my phone?” With a derisive laugh, Jarrod tossed her the phone.
Wasting no time, Nicole pressed the emergency numbers.
She might not be able to confront Jamie and the monster before her, but someone had to answer for her abuse and disfigurement.
Unfazed, Jarrod inquired, “So, you've made your choice? Will you really jeopardize the Lawrence family over such a minor matter?” "What are you implying, Jarrod?" Nicole shot back.
Minor? The pain on her face was unbearable, and she'd heard the nurse mention her disfigurement.
Was that insignificant to them? "As I've stated, it was an accident," Jarrod coldly retorted.
Shaking with indignation, Nicole spat out, "Jarrod, are you suggesting I should just tolerate this?” "Indeed." A look of despair clouded Nicole's eyes.
"Jarrod, my face is ruined.
A vase shattered against it.
Had my arm not shielded me, my face would be entirely mutilated.
I might have died." The word "died" made Jarrod’s heart miss a beat.
Quickly recovering, he responded icily, "Yet here you are, still breathing." Nicole let out a hollow laugh, her face ashen and her hair disarrayed like a deranged woman.
"Jarrod, you're well aware why I was assaulted.
You're not just trash.
You're a monster.
Want me dead? I'll give you what you desire," she articulated each word, choked with sorrow.
Abruptly, she threw back the blanket, leapt off the bed, and dashed toward the window.
Before Jarrod could react, Nicole had already climbed up.
Staring down at the ground far below, she said bitterly, "Jarrod, this is the tenth floor.
Think I'll look worse if I take the plunge?” "Nicole, get back here!" Jarrod bellowed, his eyes widening in panic.
"But my beauty is already ruined.
A hideous scar mars my face.
No amount of dressing up will change that,” Nicole mumbled, deep in reflection.
A wave of desolation swept through her.
What was the point of living anymore? Why had her life capsized so catastrophically upon Jarrod's return? He had shattered every illusion she had of him.
He had wounded her to the core! Nicole said, her voice tinged with sorrow, “Jarrod, I've always told you that I don't owe you anything.
You've never believed me.
Think of it as a lie, then.
I once loved you.” If she could, she would live Jarrod’s life, enduring all his hardships, just so they could be even.
She'd admitted she once loved him.
Jarrod laughed bitterly. All content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.
She was lying to him, even now.
He wouldn't be taken in.
He could never be deceived! A woman as deceptive and fickle as her didn't deserve love! His tongue pressing against the back of his teeth, he uttered icily, "Jump, and I'll erase the Lawrence Group from Ardlens.
Your family will wish they'd joined you, and the ones you care for will live in the shadow of your choice.” His eyes flamed with an intensity that could consume anyone.
Without his say-so, Nicole had no right to die.
He loathed her so much, how could she depart this world before experiencing something worse than death? Despite the swelling that distorted half her face, her lips formed a graceful curve.
She gazed at him and declared, "Jarrod, three years! Your three years abroad were a living hell.
I'll give you my next three.
If I survive them, you let the Lawrence family go and let me go.” Jarrod scoffed.
"Who do you think you are to negotiate with me?" "Because it’s you.
You can't let go of me, and you can use me to satisfy your twisted desires.
I'm willing to put it in writing, but you have to offer me some hope, right?” Her face concealed by bandages, her smile was odd yet oddly captivating.
From the moment she ceased to love him and torment herself, she'd become unbeatable.
She aimed to strike a deal with this demon, to sever ties once and for all.
Jarrod looked at her, her face swollen yet still alluring, a dark glint flickering in his eyes.
She was practically begging for her own humiliation.
Well, he would gladly oblige! Three years would suffice to break this woman, to purge her from his system completely.
He smirked and said, "Fine, you have a deal." Wearing a smile of triumph, Nicole added, "I have one more condition."