"Don't harm those around me." Jarrod declared bluntly, "They are mine to manage, under any circumstances."

Wayne was displeased but didn't show it. After all, there was no reason to ruin the good relationship between the two families over this.

Plus, he had been caught up in love affairs before, so he knew the drill. While things might seem exciting during the infatuation phase, they lose their sparkle after a few years. He assumed it was no biggie.

"I promise you," Wayne agreed quickly.

Jarrod then went to see Vicki.

Lying in bed, Vicki looked pale and weak. She was completely different from Nicole.

Vicki had been well taken care of since childhood, and though a bit spoiled, she still had a simple mind. As a result, her current fragile state was like a delicate flower, evoking a desire in men to protect her.

However, Jarrod was not swayed by such fragility. His experiences had rendered him indifferent to women who seemed delicate and in need of protection.

Jarrod was drawn to those who were fiery, vibrant, and as captivating as a desert rose, thorny and resilient, yet strikingly beautiful.

Nicole was the only one who matched this description. She was Like a desert rose, and only the experienced traveler would understand its significance.

"Feeling any better?" Jarrod asked as he sat beside the bed.

Vicki turned her head away, filled with grievance and anger, refusing to talk with him. She felt as though she had offered her passionate heart, yet had not been treated well in return.

What Vicki had forgotten was that she was the one who had initiated their arrangement where Jarrod had made it clear to her that he would not love her.

People often wanted more and were rarely satisfied.

Jarrod warned, “Don't act so impulsively next time. You might not always have someone around to save you. Don't place your life in someone else's hands. It's not worth it."

It was surprising to hear such words from a man usually so heartless.

Jarrod's look was stern, serving both as a warning and a piece of advice to Vicki. After saying that, he stood up and added, "Get some rest. You need to be well for the wedding."

As he moved to leave, Vicki suddenly sat up and wrapped her arms around him from behind, pleading, "Don't leave. Jarrod, you're so heartless. You don't even care about me," she said pitifully.

Vicki's eyes were puffy from her tears. In the days since Jarrod had been gone, she had been in agony, crying endlessly. He hadn't answered her calls, responded to her lengthy texts, or even picked up when her father tried to reach him.

This was Vicki's first real encounter with Jarrod's coldness. When she attempted to slit her wrist, it was her way of trying to get him to return.