The hospital staff learned a hard lesson.
Jarrod couldnât stomach the truth.
Responses became vague, especially regarding mortality, to avoid Jarrodâs wrath.
Some lucky souls escaped with their lives and a hefty settlement.
Others werenât so fortunate, meeting a violent end for their honesty.
As a result, everyone tiptoed around Jarrod, fearing the consequences.
Regarding Nicoleâs prolonged unconsciousness, the doctors offered vague explanations, hinting at the power of will to sustain life.
âA strong belief can fuel survival,â one doctor remarked, Leaving the rest to speculation.
Jarrod listened intently, seated beside Nicoleâs bedside, gently holding her hand.
âNicole, donât you want to see your mom?â
Nicole drifted in a beautiful dream.
In it, her parents were alive, and she remained the cherished heiress of the Lawrence family.
She was wedded to Roscoe, and Austin brought boundless joy.
âs BunnyBookery But then Jarrod intruded, a shadow in her heart, the root of her anguish and fury.
She writhed in torment, screaming.
Everyone vanished, including her parents, Austin and Roscoe.
Then, a whisper urged her awake.
âDo you want to see them? Open your eyes if you do.
â
Nicoleâs eyes fluttered open, and Jarrod loomed over her.
Waves of pain and sorrow crashed over her as memories flooded back.
She winced through demanding, clenched teeth, âWhereâs Roscoe? Where is he?â
Jarrodâs expression froze, joy replaced by a sneer.
âWaking up and immediately asking for that man?â
Nicoleâs frail hand clenched Jarrodâs, desperation evident.
âWhere is he? Whereâs Roscoe?â
Jarrodâs lips twitched, his temper rising, tempted to lie and claim Roscoe had met a miserable end.
But he held back, opting instead for a softer approach, wanting to give Nicole hope to live on.
âHeâs nursing a leg injury, recovering in the hospital.
When youâre feeling up to it, Iâll take you to see him,â he reassured, a hint of concern in his voice.
The doctors had warned against shocking Nicoleâs fragile state.
The days of waiting before Nicole finally woke up had transformed Jarrod.
He no longer harbored a desire to torment Nicole to her demise.
Now, he simply wanted her alive, by his side.
Nicole remained silent, wise enough not to provoke Jarrod when he was trying to be nice.
Angering him yielded no good.
âJarrod, did you mention my mom?â Nicoleâs voice lacked vitality.
Back before Nicole left Ardlens five years ago, Dora had been declared brain dead by the hospital.
Nicole had made arrangements, ensuring enough funds sustained her motherâs life support before resigning herself to fate.
Since her return, she learned her motherâs ashes resided alongside her fatherâs, courtesy of Jarrodâs assistance with the arrangements.
Yet, this token did little to quell the vast sea of animosity she harbored against Jarrod.
The dream Nicole had lingered vividly.
Dora appeared alive beside her.
Nicole couldnât shake the nagging doubt.
Was her mother truly gone?
Were those truly her motherâs ashes in the urn?