However, Nicole's distrust in Jarrod ran deep. She perceived him as cunning, suspecting that his desire for this child stemmed from a calculated intention to manipulate her. Could he genuinely be altruistic enough to present such seemingly fair terms? She remained skeptical.

"Jarrod, I refuse to carry this baby to term," Nicole declared resolutely. "I won't." One child was already a handful. Adding another would only amplify her vulnerabilities, subjecting her to ceaseless torment. She couldn't endure that pain again.

Jarrod maintained his calm facade, seemingly having anticipated her rejection. “Nicole, contemplate the consequences of your decision. Are you truly prepared to sacrifice the opportunity to be with Austin and your freedom in exchange for terminating this pregnancy?"

Every word pierced Nicole to her core. Jarrod was attempting to persuade her, leveraging the child as a bargaining chip for what she held most dear, her connection to her children and her freedom.

Jarrod possessed an intimate understanding of Nicole's psyche. He knew that the more forcefully he pressed, the more she would resist.

His desperation to retain the child drove him to employ any means necessary. Be it threats or assurances, whatever it took to secure the child. He desired to keep the child as a link between them. He harbored a naive hope that perhaps the child's birth could catalyze a transformation.

Nicole remained silent, her lips tightly sealed, her inner turmoil inscrutable.

Sensing her reticence, Jarrod refrained from further coercion, masking his emotions. "Take your time to consider, Nicole."

Nicole found herself in a quandary. She would have preferred to decline if she had the freedom to choose. However, Jarrod's offer proved too enticing to ignore. Not only would she regain her freedom, but she'd also have the chance to reunite with Austin. Either option alone would have made it nearly impossible for Nicole to refuse.

"I promise you your freedom won't be restricted during pregnancy. If you deliver the baby safely, I'll keep my word, and you will be free to live your life however you choose," Jarrod said.

Jarrod paused, letting the weight of his words sink in, and then continued, "However, if you still decide to terminate the pregnancy, then we won't have anything to discuss. You should understand that fighting against me over Austin's custody and visitation rights is a losing battle. It won't give you much time with Austin."

Nicole scoffed to herself, feeling her emotions begin to settle. That sounded more like the old Jarrod.

“Why are you so set on keeping this baby?" Nicole asked.

Jarrod looked at her in silence for a long time. Then, with an earnest tone, he responded, “Because this child is ours."

That was all he needed to say. Sometimes even Jarrod was unsure of what he wanted, but his intentions were clear as day this time. He wanted to fully embrace this pregnancy with Nicole, perhaps to make amends for his absence during her pregnancy with Austin. The Life growing within Nicole's belly was theirs, and he was committed to it, no matter the obstacles.

Nicole stood up, her face etched with fatigue, saying, "I need to think it over before I give you an answer."

Although Nicole's stance had softened somewhat, it wasn't enough to put Jarrod at ease. "I'll have Conor drive you back," he offered.

Jarrod knew Nicole harbored a certain disdain for him, so he refrained from suggesting he drive her himself, despite his intense concern and his wish to be by her side. Still, he understood her reluctance to accept his help.

Nicole's hesitation was clear. She yearned for a moment alone to sort out her thoughts. “I'll make my own way back," she asserted firmly.

Jarrod paused but ultimately nodded, respecting her decision.