Soon, the visiting hours ended.

Nicole knelt on the floor and whispered, "Mom, dad, wait for me. We will reunite soon."

In the surveillance room, Jarrod watched Nicole on the screen, a pang of pain striking his heart.

Jarrod longed to embrace Nicole, yet he was acutely aware of his current lack of standing to do so.

During their silent car ride back, neither spoke a word.

Upon arriving at the mourning hall, Jarrod noticed Nicole had succumbed to sleep, worn out from being awake for two days straight.

Observing her peaceful slumber, Jarrod chose not to disturb her, allowing her to rest in the car.

“Wlaah..." Suddenly, Nicole began crying in her sleep.

Her body trembled, and her muffled sobs deeply affected Jarrod.

Feeling as if his heart were ensnared by chains and grappling with immense guilt, Jarrod's face turned ashen.

He then did what he had longed to do. He gently held Nicole in his arms.

In her sleep, Nicole, mistaking him for someone else, clung tightly to his arm.

Jarrod, breathing deeply, remained still, fearful of waking her.

After a while, exhaustion overcame Jarrod.

Having also been awake for two days, Nicole's closeness, the focus of his turmoil, lulled Jarrod into sleep.

Nicole's eyes suddenly snapped open to the sound of Jarrod's steady breathing.

Contrary to appearances, she had not been asleep.

The thought of resting next to someone she deemed a demon was inconceivable.

Quietly, she slipped from Jarrod's embrace, leaving him slumped against the seat, vulnerable in sleep.

The moonlight cast a deceptive glow on his stern, yet striking features, masking his underlying ruthlessness.