“It's not good for you to be so scared of me, especially since we're going to have to live together," Jarrod said with a twisted smile, his eyes darkened with a menacing glare.

At his words, Nicole scoffed. "Have you ever seen enemies live together, Jarrod? You're out of your mind."

Jarrod replied icily, "It's a miracle that I've managed to keep my sanity all these years."

In truth, he felt he had already lost it long ago. After Nicole sneaked away, he spent many sleepless nights overwhelmed with anger and fear, dreading that she might vanish from his world for good.

The loneliness dragged him deeper, like sinking into quicksand.

Nicole herself felt she might lose her grip on reality. Her thoughts churned as if her head would explode. "Don't you feel despicable? You hid my mother and found Austin, using them as pawns to control me."

"Despicable?" Jarrod scoffed icily. "Maybe I am, but only because you pushed me to it!"

Nicole hung her head, numb to his words.

Jarrod grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Don't you realize I could crush you like an ant? Yet, how did you treat me? You stabbed me and stole documents to have me locked up. You tried to kill me. And still, I've spared you, time and again. While you were cooing with another man, I couldn't sleep and searched frantically for you. Do you even have a heart, Nicole? Did you ever think of me while you reveled in those happy moments?"

Jarrod trembled with rage as he spoke. Despite everything, he still couldn't force her compliance. He fixed his intense gaze on her, as if wanting to absorb her entirely. He loved and hated her simultaneously, torn apart by his emotions.

"I hate you... I hate you..." Nicole sobbed, her voice muffled.

Jarrod pulled Nicole into his arms, and she immediately screamed, “Don't touch me! Don't, don't! Don't touch me!"

She pounded on his chest with all her might, but her blows felt Like soft rain to him, barely noticeable.

With determination, Jarrod drew her into his arms, holding her tightly, almost to the point of breaking her delicate frame.

A tear rolled down Jarrod's cheek, wetting his lashes. "I hate you too, Nicole. Just as much as you hate me. But I can't help it..."

Why couldn't she just submit for once? Was that really too much to ask? If he didn't stand firm, she'd avoid him like the plague. If he didn't act despicably, she'd be gone for good.

Jarrod leaned in, pressing his lips against hers roughly. For him, possession was enough, even if love was lacking.

Nicole struggled to pull away, tears streaming down her face like a river breaking its dam. "Jarrod, don't touch me... Not here." This scene was a throwback to the beginning, back in her father's hospital room, when Jarrod had acted just as callously. He ignored her parents, decency, and humanity, acting like an animal.

Jarrod looked down at the trembling Nicole and realized he couldn't keep going. He lifted her into his arms and carried her out of the hospital room.

Once inside the car, Nicole curled into a corner, sobbing as if trying to cry out every tear she had. If it were just Austin, maybe she could endure. But she had her mother to consider. She would do anything to protect them, even if it cost her life. Wasn't fate just cruel? How could it be so unfair to her?