“Jarrod Schultz!"

Nicole's voice rasped, sounding like rotten wood as she enunciated each syllable.

The atmosphere grew increasingly stifling, making her feel as though her life was slipping away.

A memory of her mother holding a birthday cake flashed before her eyes.

"Make a wish, Nicole!" Her mother gazed at her as if she were the most precious gem.

Would her mother ever come to terms with her death?

The thought prompted large tears to spill from Nicole's swollen eyes.

What had she done to deserve this?

Jarrod's eyes blazed, unhinged. His grip tightened around Nicole's fragile neck, almost snapping it.

He chastised himself internally.

He'd felt compassion for this woman, even pitied her last night.

When his father passed away in jail and his mother took her own Life, he'd been left with nothing. She had mocked him back then, and he'd shrugged it off only yesterday.

But what about her? She found him repulsive.

Her words echoed those in some damning video, belittling him and declaring that he deserved to be deceived.

His loathing for her intensified.

With a scornful smirk, Jarrod made a chilling vow.

He had no more sympathy for her. Her actions had proven she was undeserving of it.

She would remain ensnared by him for the rest of her days, as long as she Lived.

His intent was clear. It was to make her suffer indefinitely.

Jarrod closed in on Nicole with malevolent eyes, whispering a sinister vow into her ear, "You'll be in agony for the rest of your days, Nicole."