Her voice was gentle yet distinctly audible.
A profound sadness permeated her soft voice.
Nicole had once been a girl who eagerly sought love, but after suffering such degradation and pain, she had Lost the courage to love and be loved.
Sometimes, she even questioned whether she deserved this fate.
She and Jarrod were like two wounded souls, constantly vying to inflict more pain on each other.
Jarrod had no intention of releasing Nicole, just as she had no plans to let Jarrod go.
Their story was bound to end tragically.
âIt doesnât matter,â Roscoe said gently, looking at her.
âNicole, even if you canât love anyone anymore, it doesnât matter.
â
Roscoe understood her meaning.
She was saying that she could no longer love anyone, him included.
âI will always be with you,â Roscoe stated solemnly.
âYouâre too naive.
â Nicole found it difficult to convince Roscoe any further, as she had exhausted all approaches, and he remained as stubborn as ever.
Nicole had resolved that once the issue with Jarrod was settled, she would move with Austin to a secluded place to turn a new page and live a life away from the public eye.
Once Austin had safely grown up, her mission would be fulfilled.
Her obligations to this world would be concluded.
Roscoe said to Nicole gently, âJust go inside.
Itâs quite cold tonight.
Donât catch a cold.
â
Nicole nodded and entered the building.
It wasnât until Roscoe watched for a moment after the Light of Nicoleâs apartment turned on that he slowly rolled up the car window and drove off.
The day of Jarrodâs trial finally came.
Nicole attended the hearing, dressed elegantly in a red dress complemented by a black hat.
The doors closed without Roscoe appearing, and Nicole, feeling somewhat bewildered and uneasy, sent Roscoe a message.
âAre you busy?â
Roscoe had promised the previous night to accompany her to the trial, and he would have informed her if something urgent had arisen.
He wouldnât simply vanish without an explanation.
After waiting a few minutes without a response, Nicole thought about calling Roscoe to see what was happening.
But just as Nicole was about to unlock her phone, a side door opened.
Jarrod was led out from within.
He was dressed neatly, his demeanor composed.
His handsome face betrayed no signs of distress.
If not for the stubble around Jarrodâs chin, no one would guess he had been confined for nearly two weeks.
As soon as Jarrod sat down, his gaze found Nicole in the back row, and a knowing smile spread across his lips.
Nicoleâs body instinctively reacted with a shiver, and goosebumps appeared on her skin.
âMiss, are you alright?â Noticing Nicole shiver and turn pale, the woman sitting next to Nicole couldnât resist expressing her concern.
Nicole managed a weak smile.
âIâm fine.
Thank you.
â
The woman, exuding warmth and familiarity, inquired, âMiss, are you a friend of Mr.
Schultz?â