Chapter 2076

Although Nicole did not have a headache, her memory was a blank slate. Everything that just happened felt familiar, yet it did not seem like a sign of memory recovery.

“It’s okay. I’ll contact Martin and discuss it with him,” Jared reassured Nicole, holding her delicate hand gently.

His broad palm and warm touch instantly dissipated Nicole’s feelings of anxiety and loss, and she suddenly felt at ease.

Looking up at Jared, Nicole slightly bit her lip and whispered, “Thank you for being by my side all this time.”

Ever since she returned to San Joto and regained her identity, she would feel reassured as long as Jared was with her whenever something happened.

Jared gently stroked her silky hair and softly said, “No need to thank me. I should be the one thanking you for finally coming back to me.”

If she had not returned, his future would still be bleak, devoid of any color.

Nicole’s heart skipped a beat, deeply moved by his words. She could imagine how he had spent the last five years and could not help but feel sorry for him.

Biting her lip lightly, Nicole did not know how to comfort Jared, as the root of his pain was her.

Jared seemed to see through her dilemma and smiled slyly. “So, you owe me something.”

Nicole blinked in surprise. “How should I make it up to you?”

Jared smirked, gently holding Nicole’s delicate chin. Her cheeks instantly turned red, and she instinctively wanted to dodge, but she heard Jared say, “Do it… by never leaving me again.”

“Huh?” Nicole suddenly froze. Her mouth was slightly agape as she blinked in confusion. ‘That’s all?’

A wicked smile tugged at the corner of Jared’s lips.” Judging by your expression, it seems that what I want and what you expected are not quite the same.”

Nicole mechanically nodded. Suddenly realizing that something was off, she hurriedly shook her head.

Then she felt that was not the right response either, so she nodded again, and then shook her head, ultimately getting herself in a mess.

Jared smiled, his lips curling seductively. He slowly leaned toward Nicole, his captivating voice echoing in her ear,” What were you thinking?”

Her breath hitched, and she felt extremely embarrassed. Though his words were not explicit, his actions already revealed what he had in mind. She had indeed misunderstood Jared’s intentions just now. Clearly, he was teasing her, and now she felt both embarrassed and guilty.

“Nothing. I wasn’t thinking anything.” Nicole felt her cheeks burning, and she broke free from Jared’s grip, turning around and quickly heading toward the room.

Watching her flee in such a panic, a hint of amusement flashed in Jared’s eyes as he followed her steps.

Back in the room, Jared saw that Nicole had already entered the bathroom. He waited for a while, but she did not come out. He shook his head, chuckling softly, and approached the bathroom door.

“Are you still not finished?” Jared asked in a low voice.

“Not yet.” Nicole’s somewhat reluctant voice echoed from inside the bathroom.

“But you’ve been in there for a while now.” He worried that she might faint from soaking too long.

“Oh, I’m done,” Nicole reluctantly replied, mustering up the courage to face him.

She had actually finished a while ago, but she did not know how to face him, so she had been lingering in the bathroom, not wanting to come out.

“Then come out,” Jared urged. She had been in the bathroom for so long, it was time to get some fresh air.

There was no response from inside, but there seemed to be faint sounds. Jared guessed that Nicole was probably getting ready to come out.

“Ah!” Suddenly, a cry of surprise echoed from inside.

Startled, Jared quickly opened the door and rushed into the bathroom. “What’s wrong?”