She couldn't just disregard Jemma's safety and walk away without concern.

Jarrod cast his gaze downward and looked at Nicole firmly. "Nicole, the choice is yours. You know the right decision."

Once their true intentions had been exposed to one another, what remained was a battle to see whose tactics were more ruthless.

Clearly, Jarrod had resolved not to let Nicole leave his side so easily anymore. He was determined to exert control and ensure that she remained by his side, regardless of the consequences or ethical considerations.

Ultimately, Nicole faced a decision. She couldn't risk Roscoe's well-being, especially after noticing his condition had deteriorated significantly that day. If Jarrod could offer Roscoe protection, then at least the Watts family wouldn't be able to do anything to Roscoe.

With a heavy heart, Nicole closed the car door and sat back down, her complexion ghostly pale. “Jarrod, you must keep your promise," she stated firmly.

Jarrod's expression softened slightly, and he leaned in, gently cupping her face and planting a kiss on her cheek. “Absolutely,” he replied.

Nicole was unaccustomed to such closeness. Her initial instinct was to pull away, but Jarrod held her face firmly, preventing her from escaping.

He kissed her lips forcefully and said, "You'll need to grow accustomed to this. Discomfort is no excuse. I didn't marry a statue."

Hearing this, Nicole stopped struggling and her body became passive, resembling that of a doll. At this point, arguing with him seemed meaningless. She had no desire to maintain a facade of decorum and play the role of a victim. Having decided to make this trade, she had to accept all the indignities that came with it. As Jarrod had pointed out, she needed to not only endure but also adjust.

Soon, the car reached the city hall.

Upon exiting the car, Jarrod grasped Nicole's hand tightly, interlacing his fingers with hers as though they were a devoted couple.

Unable to break free, Nicole let him guide her. Her expression was vacant as she said, "Jarrod, I don't have any identification documents with me."

"I've handled everything," Jarrod declared.

He passed the document to Nicole, who quickly took it and started flipping through the pages.

Jarrod's influence was indeed vast. He was even capable of securing any information for marriage registration without needing Nicole to sort out the documents.

Nicole had her doubts. With such influence at his disposal, he could have easily arranged their marriage certificate without requiring her to be present at the city hall. Why insist on her coming here? Plus, they were far from a loving couple. The act of pretending to be one in such a public place was more than just uncomfortable.

Nicole looked at him sharply. "Since you're so influential, this visit seems pointless."

"Why would this be pointless?" Jarrod asked.

He tightened his grip on her hand and added, "I want this handled personally. It adds significance to the process.”