He couldnât let Nicole go.
He pondered over Jamieâs deceitful narratives.
If Jamieâs accounts were all lies, could Nicoleâs supposed impending death due to stomach cancer be a reality?
This thought sent waves of panic through Jarrod.
Gripping Nicoleâs face, his eyes a tempest of emotion, Jarrod declared, âNicole, weâre even now, but Iâm not letting you go just yet.
Understand my words.
â
It wasnât a request.
It was something he had decided.
Aware of the revulsion his words might evoke in Nicole, Jarrod chose to be candid.
After all, she loathed him already, didnât she?
âOne day, Iâll give you that opportunity,â he said, alluding to a chance for her to end his life.
Nicole, despair evident in her voice, asked, âJarrod, do you mean only death could make me escape from you?â
âNo, I wonât let you die!â Jarrod responded sharply, his eyes flickering.
âIf you even think of dying, Iâll come after everyone who ever helped you!â
It seemed Nicole barely registered his words.
Her fear wasnât death, but living a life steeped in hatred.
Jarrod cautioned, âRemember what I said.
â
Yet Nicole remained silent, lost in her thoughts.
As dawn broke, signaling a new day, the time came to cremate Wessonâs remains.
Mitchel and Raegan joined in paying their last respects.
After the cremation, Nicole, her voice barely above a whisper, revealed, âJarrod, my fatherâs final wish was for his ashes to be scattered at sea.
â
Jarrod, upon hearing this, frowned and met her gaze.
Despite any reservations, he found himself unable to voice an objection.
Before stepping into the car, Nicole turned to Raegan.
âBeing your friend has been the best part of my life.
â
Raeganâs eyes immediately welled up, tears cascading down her cheeks.
Clutching Nicoleâs wrist, Raegan managed through sobs, âIâll be here, waiting for you.
â
With a nod to Raegan, Nicole then entered Jarrodâs car.
Jarrod had been vigilantly monitoring Nicole for the past two days, ensuring he was always close by.
Nicole noticed the untreated bite wound on Jarrodâs arm, the flesh still visible beneath his sleeve.
Catching her gaze, Jarrod murmured, âI chose to leave it.
â He referred to the bite mark Nicole had left.