Given Austin's frail condition, he was vulnerable to even minor harm.

This was the primary reason Nicole had gone to great lengths to prevent Vicki from marrying Jarrod.

Although Austin's recovery was slow, the doctor had recently assured Nicole that his condition had markedly improved, and the planned donation should proceed without issue.

Because of these developments, Nicole knew she must take Austin back to her side to ensure everything went smoothly. Failure was not an option, as it would leave her with lifelong regret.

"of course..." Nicole began to speak.

However, she was interrupted as Jarrod gently placed his finger on her lips and whispered, “Shh.”

The slight roughness of his fingertip sent a shock through Nicole.

She felt her skin crawl and instinctively stepped back.

Instead of retreating, Jarrod stepped forward, smiling slightly.

“Nicole, if you truly want this, you need to prove your sincerity."

Startled, Nicole quickly took another step back and asked, "What do you want?"

Before she could regain her footing, his hot breath was on her.

Jarrod pressed Nicole against the wardrobe and delivered a fierce kiss to her swollen lips, as if testing her. He then deepened the kiss, biting her Lips forcefully.

Jarrod's aroma of alcohol froze Nicole for a moment, and then she reacted by pushing him back.

To her dismay, Jarrod bent his knees, trapping her legs, and kissed her forcefully. He held the back of her head and continued the brutal kiss, biting her intensely.

Nicole tried to escape his aggressive advances, but against his nearly six-foot frame, her efforts seemed futile.

Jarrod continued until both their lips were bloody, and the source of the blood became indistinguishable. This mingled blood stirred a misguided desire within both of them.

Trapped in his relentless kiss, Nicole let out an involuntary moan, allowing him to explore further, savoring what he took as submission.

Eventually, Nicole managed to free her arms and pushed Jarrod away forcefully, slapping him across the face.

Jarrod staggered back, and a handprint was left on his face.