This stubbornness would have been admirable in someone else, but with Nicole, Jarrod had repeatedly crushed her spirit until all her pride faded away. If Nicole had been anyone else, she might have admitted defeat by now. Yet, she managed to thrive against all odds.

Did Jarrod regret his past actions? Yes, he certainly did... Now, all he could hope for was to keep their child. He wished that the improvement in Nicole's mother's health would positively influence Nicole, softening her heart and persuading her to keep the baby.

Upon returning home, Nicole received an unexpected phone call. It was Dr. Kash Torres, who had seen her during her last visit. “Hello, Dr. Torres," Nicole greeted.

“Miss Lawrence, hello. You didn't show up today. If you have taken the medication for the three past days, you should come to the hospital today. Otherwise, it poses threats to your body," Kash expressed his concern. He often saw patients who neglected their prescribed medication, only seeking medical help when complications like bleeding arose, endangering their health.

“I haven't taken any of the medication," Nicole replied.

"You haven't? That's good to hear. So, have you decided to keep the baby?" Kash asked.

“I'm still considering it. Thank you for caring," Nicole replied.

“If you decide to keep the baby, please come in for a checkup. The child is innocent, and if it's within your ability, I hope you'll think it over and give the baby a chance," Kash advised.

Nicole felt a stir of emotion from the doctor's earnest words. "I understand. Thank you, Dr. Torres," she responded.

After ending the call, Nicole glanced at the medication lying on the table, pausing briefly before carefully storing it away in a drawer.

The following day, as Nicole was about to step out, she was confronted by a woman at her doorstep. The woman, exuding confidence, asked, “Are you Nicole?" She was a middle-aged woman.

"Yes, who are you?" Nicole asked, her brow furrowed.

"Me?" Hallie scoffed. "I'm Jarrod's cousin, Doreen's mother."

Nicole quickly sensed that Hallie wasn't here with good news. It was clear she had come with cruel intentions.

Before, Hallie had looked into Nicole's address, but upon finding out that Nicole and Jarrod were living together, she didn't dare to come and stir up trouble. Clearly, Jarrod was standing up for Nicole. She once thought their marriage was a facade, but it seemed they were genuinely together.

Hallie knew she had to suppress her anger for now. But as soon as she heard that Nicole had moved out, she wasted no time in seeking Nicole out. It appeared Jarrod and Nicole had a disagreement, and Hallie saw this as her chance for revenge.

“What do you want?" Nicole asked bluntly, not particularly friendly toward Hallie. She wasn't one to cozy up to people, especially when it was clear that Hallie was here to stir up trouble.

"You've caused my daughter distress. What do you expect me to do?"

Hallie said, her eyes blazing with fury.

In Hallie's book, Doreen's promising future had been ruined by the assault case, which Nicole filed. Doreen had been detained for 30 days, and her psychological state was deeply affected upon release.