Having spent a day with Roscoe, Doreen was accustomed to his quiet demeanor, so his lack of reaction didn't faze her.

Turning to the couple locked in a tight embrace, Doreen flashed a knowing smile and quipped, “Jarrod, spare us the lovey—dovey display, will you? Get a room!"

Shooting a grin at Roscoe, Jarrod said, "Alright, we'll do that.

Enjoy yourselves."

With that, he clasped Nicole's hand and led her away.

This time, Nicole's attempt to break free was in vain. She sensed a burning gaze trailing her, almost tangible against her skin. However, she knew that there was no hope for her and Roscoe. She didn't want to repeat the same mistakes. It was time to put everything back to the way it was.

Shaking Roscoe's arm, Doreen chirped, "Let's go."

Roscoe trailed behind numbly, lost in his thoughts.

Nicole got into Jarrod's car, while Roscoe and Doreen stood nearby.

With a cheerful wave, Doreen bid farewell to Jarrod. "Bye, Jarrod!"

Jarrod nodded goodbye. Then, noticing how absentminded Nicole was next to him, he leaned over to help fasten her seat belt.

Nicole instinctively recoiled and snapped, “Jarrod, now that they're gone, how much longer must we keep up this charade?"

"Charade?" For the first time that night, Jarrod had dropped all pretense and kissed Nicole hard. "Nicole, I'm fucking in love with you. Do you think I'm just acting like you are?"

Nicole was taken aback by Jarrod's unexpected revelation. What had he discovered? Or...

Nicole's turbulent thoughts overshadowed Jarrod's forceful kisses.

Nicole's plump, pink lips held an irresistible allure to Jarrod.

Even though Nicole was as unresponsive as a log, Jarrod was still crazy for her. He yearned for her, missed her, having spent endless nights foolishly in the company of a lifeless body that he assumed was her.

Jarrod simply accepted it even when he belatedly realized she had fooled him. Knowing she despised him, he had allowed her to express her anger. Sensing her wish to injure him, he'd willingly hand her the weapon when needed.

However, he would never tolerate her falling for someone else. Since she had spent the first part of her life in love with him, he wouldn't complain even if she hated him to the core for the rest of her life. He was content as long as she was by his side.

But the thought of Nicole experiencing ordinary, daily life with another man abroad pained him deeply.