Upon hearing this, Jamie frowned and tugged at the hem of his shirt.

“Aren't you leaving with me?"

Jarrod planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

"I've got other matters to attend to. I'll see you tonight."

"Alright." Jamie forced a smile and continued, "What about my relatives? What will happen to them?"

Jarrod said nothing.

"It's fine, Jarrod. I won't hold it against you. At worst, I'll only catch some flak from my uncles."

Jarrod ran his fingers through her hair and assured her, “Don't worry.

I'll have them released."

“Really? That's so kind of you, Jarrod." Jamie wrapped her arms around him and added in a sweet voice, "I can't wait to be your wife."

Jarrod held her hand and caressed it.

"I promise you'll be the happiest woman in the world."

Once Jamie was gone, Jarrod returned to Nicole's ward and found her awake.

He walked up to her expressionlessly and moved a stray strand of hair away from her face.

“How are you feeling?"

Nicole looked at him. The sight of him reminded her of the humiliation she had suffered at his hands, and her eyes clouded with disdain.

"Don't touch me. You're disgusting."

The word "disgusting" ignited a fury in Jarrod, and his face twisted in an instant.

His hand shot out to clutch her throat. He tightened his grip until her face started turning purple and her breathing grew ragged.

His eyes narrowed and brimmed with cruelty as if he were a demon straight from the depths. He stared daggers at her and bellowed, "Say that again!"