Lacking parental experience, Derek remained indolent and self-centered, devoid of any sentimental connection to his daughter.
Yet, in this critical moment, his daughter became a bargaining chip.
Aware of the softening effect children had on women, Derek persisted in his pleas, his forlorn countenance compelling.
He extolled the virtues of his daughter, emphasizing her charm and adorableness, weaving a convincing narrative of paternal devotion.
Initially skeptical, Nicoleâs skepticism dissolved upon hearing about the child, softening her heart.
Derek indeed had a two-year-old daughter.
The thought of the childâs pitiful fate if her father perished tugged at Nicoleâs compassion.
Despite Derekâs flaws, his child remained innocent in her eyes, and Nicole couldnât bear the thought of another shattered family.
With determination, Nicole circled around to the carâs opposite side, shattered the remaining window, and exerted her strength to dislodge Derekâs trapped hand.
âOuch! You.
Derek intended to curse, but he swiftly changed his tune, cautioning, âCareful now.
Itâs⦠Itâs painful.
â
Nicoleâs demeanor was less than sympathetic as she chided, âYou think you can evade consequences for your misdeeds without enduring a little discomfort? Is that it?â
Furious but wary of provoking further ire, Derek could only mumble, âI understand, miss.
Youâre being kind.
Ah! Please, be gentleâ¦â
âs BunnyBookery Then, a resounding crack signaled Derekâs liberation as Nicole finally freed his hand.
âAh!â Derek cried out in agony.
Derek paid a steep price for freeing his hand as the skin on his hand was ripped off, exposing the raw, bloody flesh beneath.
It was a horrifying sight.
âAh! Youâre trying to kill me, arenât you?â Derek accused.
âNo, I just had to pull your hand out,â Nicole replied calmly.
She could have been gentler, but she chose not to and used all her strength to yank him out instead.
People like Derek, though not deserving of death, should endure some hardship to understand that they had to pay for their misdeeds dearly, and to prevent them from further wrongdoings.
Derek stifled the urge to lash out at Nicole as his left hand was so badly hurt that it was practically useless.
He realized Nicole was sharper than he had anticipated.
She added to the severity of his injury to lessen his threat level.
He cursed silently, yet he depended on Nicole to help him escape the wrecked car.
âMiss, please help me get out of here.
Itâs too dangerous.
Derek begged, looking at the smoking car.
â
Seeing the urgency, Nicole pushed past her own discomfort, wrenched the twisted car door open, and dragged Derek to safety.
Once outside, Derek collapsed on the ground, breathing hard.
He resembled a stranded fish, mouth gaping wide, desperate for a breath of air.
Nicole picked up Derekâs phone to call for help but realized it was locked and couldnât place an emergency call.
Usually, a cell phone could do this.
Even if it wasnât unlocked, it could still call for help.
It looked like Derekâs phone was made just for him.
Nicole glanced at Derek, sprawled on the ground like a fish out of water.
Letting her guard down a bit, she approached and asked, âWhatâs the passcode?â