After a few seconds, Nicole said, “Roscoe, I will never love again in my life."

Her voice was gentle yet distinctly audible. A profound sadness permeated her soft voice.

Nicole had once been a girl who eagerly sought love, but after suffering such degradation and pain, she had Lost the courage to love and be loved. Sometimes, she even questioned whether she deserved this fate. She and Jarrod were like two wounded souls, constantly vying to inflict more pain on each other.

Jarrod had no intention of releasing Nicole, just as she had no plans to let Jarrod go. Their story was bound to end tragically.

“It doesn't matter," Roscoe said gently, looking at her. “Nicole, even if you can't love anyone anymore, it doesn't matter."

Roscoe understood her meaning. She was saying that she could no longer love anyone, him included.

“I will always be with you," Roscoe stated solemnly.

"You're too naive." Nicole found it difficult to convince Roscoe any further, as she had exhausted all approaches, and he remained as stubborn as ever.

Nicole had resolved that once the issue with Jarrod was settled, she would move with Austin to a secluded place to turn a new page and live a life away from the public eye. Once Austin had safely grown up, her mission would be fulfilled. Her obligations to this world would be concluded.

Roscoe said to Nicole gently, “Just go inside. It's quite cold tonight. Don't catch a cold."

Nicole nodded and entered the building.

It wasn't until Roscoe watched for a moment after the Light of Nicole's apartment turned on that he slowly rolled up the car window and drove off.

The day of Jarrod's trial finally came.

Nicole attended the hearing, dressed elegantly in a red dress complemented by a black hat.

The doors closed without Roscoe appearing, and Nicole, feeling somewhat bewildered and uneasy, sent Roscoe a message. “Are you busy?"

Roscoe had promised the previous night to accompany her to the trial, and he would have informed her if something urgent had arisen. He wouldn't simply vanish without an explanation.

After waiting a few minutes without a response, Nicole thought about calling Roscoe to see what was happening.

But just as Nicole was about to unlock her phone, a side door opened.

Jarrod was led out from within. He was dressed neatly, his demeanor composed. His handsome face betrayed no signs of distress.

If not for the stubble around Jarrod's chin, no one would guess he had been confined for nearly two weeks.