With gritted teeth, Nicole asserted, “It's not because of that. I'm just not comfortable with having people in my life anymore. I don't like being cared for like this, and sometimes, I even find your presence annoying."

The most difficult part of any undertaking was the beginning. Now that Nicole had already begun, and the most hurtful words had already been spoken, she knew that it would only get easier from here.

Nicole bit her lip. "As for Austin, let the manny take care of him from now on. She was the one who had been taking care of him till he turned one. The search for a matched heart for him will take time, and you have your own concerns, so I won't burden you."

When Austin was born, Nicole had enlisted the help of a local nanny to help in his upbringing.

When Austin turned one, Nicole, not herself at that time, decided to withdraw from his life, completely leaving him under the care of the nanny. This was the toughest decision she had ever made.

Throughout this time, Roscoe had been there. Back then, Roscoe had been furthering his studies.

Later, when Austin fell ill, Roscoe suggested that Austin stay with him. Ever since then, Austin had become dependent on Roscoe as well as the nanny.

"I've never considered Austin as a burden," Roscoe retorted suddenly, his voice not loud but tinged with indignation.

Swiftly containing his anger, he continued, "Nicole, whatever you don't like about me, I will change it. If you find my presence bothersome, I'll make myself scarce. I can..."

"Stop it," Nicole said with reddened eyes. Her hand trembled beneath the blanket, and she was afraid that her tears would escape at any moment. "Just pretend you never met me. Roscoe, we were never meant to be from the start."

Nicole's words put a clear distance between them, hitting Roscoe hard.

Roscoe felt like he couldn't connect with Nicole anymore. He thought back to the soft, moonlit way she used to look at Austin, puzzled about why she was being so harsh with him...

“Is this because of him?" Roscoe asked, his eyes locked on Nicole's Lips and neck, noticing the telltale marks.

No room for self-deception remained.

Nicole, aware of his stare, felt a wave of shame wash over her. She tried to hide it by covering her neck with her hand and letting her hair fall over it as though she had done something unforgivable.

For a second, Nicole almost tried to justify her actions.

Somehow, she paused. Then, deciding not to hide, she exposed the hickeys under his unwavering gaze.

"This has nothing to do with him. I just don't like you. Don't bother trying..." Nicole said, avoiding Roscoe's gaze.

She closed her eyes, steeling herself for any reaction, expecting Roscoe to leave any moment. Knowing Roscoe for his talent and independence, she was sure he wouldn't linger after her rejection.

At last, the door shut.