“Alright, you can have a say in his future planning," Nicole agreed.

"And the child must take my last name, Schultz," Jarrod said.

Compared to the prospect of being separated from her son, the idea of Austin adopting Jarrod's surname was not hard to accept for Nicole.

It at least indicated that Jarrod acknowledged Austin's significance in his life.

"Alright." Nicole wasn't interested in disputing these points. Her primary focus was on reuniting with Austin as soon as possible.

“And you are not allowed to remarry," Jarrod declared another condition.

This term served as a test for Nicole. Jarrod wasn't without flaws.

To him, permitting Nicole to visit their child constituted a significant concession on his part.

If Nicole harbored any thoughts of remarriage, Jarrod wouldn't hesitate to sever her access to their child. He adamantly refused to entertain the notion of another man raising his child. And there was one more thing...

Jarrod furrowed his brow, deep in contemplation.

Nicole hadn't expected Jarrod to make such a demand, and she was momentarily stunned. However, she swiftly replied, "Very well, I agree."

Nicole had never entertained thoughts of remarriage. Aware of Jarrod's inclination for pettiness, she had long abandoned any aspirations of marriage.

Observing her swift acquiescence, Jarrod's initial unease subsided slightly.

Nicole inquired, "Is there anything else?"

“There's one more thing." Jarrod hesitated briefly before uttering, “I want you to keep this baby."

This statement hit Nicole like a bolt, leaving her speechless with her mouth agape in disbelief. After a prolonged moment of stunned silence, she looked up, her gaze distant, and faltered, "What... What are you saying?"

Jarrod approached slowly, his eyes fixed on her abdomen. “I want you to keep this baby."

“I... I'm not pregnant," Nicole struggled to articulate, feeling as though her heart was being constricted.

Nicole vividly recalled Austin had been conceived unintentionally.

Initially fearing for Austin's survival within her belly, Austin had proven to be resilient, defying the odds and thriving despite the initial challenges.