With clenched teeth, Vicki countered, âI never made such statements.
Do not attempt to tarnish my reputation with such baseless allegations.
â
Nicole emitted a sharp, disdainful Laugh.
Vickiâs composure wavered as Jarrodâs silence persisted, leaving her defenseless.
âYou envy me, donât you? Thatâs why youâve orchestrated these malicious falsehoods through your son!â
Despite its absurdity, the accusation resonated with Vicki, presenting a disturbing plausibility.
How could Austin, so young and innocent, orchestrate such calculated malice without Nicoleâs influence? What motive could Nicole have, if not to reclaim Austin?
Maybe even for Jarrod?
âs BunnyBookery A surge of panic overwhelmed Vicki as the notion gripped her.
The nerve of Nicole wanting to take Jarrod away from her! She was poised to become Jarrodâs lawful wife, and once Austin was eliminated and she bestowed Jarrod with her child, he would be hers, unequivocally.
She refused to let anyone dismantle the painstakingly crafted perfection of her Life.
Nicoleâs response dripped with sardonic amusement.
âWhat reason would I have to envy you, Vicki? Your ruthless demeanor?â
âYouâve discovered my upcoming wedding with Jarrod and now you intend to steal him from me, correct? Iâm warning you, it wonât happen!â
Vicki was fixated on the notion that Nicole aimed to usurp Jarrod and lost control.
âDonât even contemplate taking my husband, you brazen woman.
â
âHahahaâ¦â Nicole couldnât suppress her laughter.
âVicki, arenât you calling Jarrod your husband too early? When did Jarrod obtain a marriage certificate with you? Why was this kept secret?â
Vicki was certain she would become Jarrodâs rightful spouse and responded calmly, âI will be Mrs.
Schultz soon.
Jarrod assured me it will happen next weekâ¦â
âYou wonât be by next week.
â Nicole interrupted swiftly.
âWhy? Do you think you can prevent me from becoming his wife just by saying so? Do you still intend to take him from me? Ha-ha, your intentions are transparent!â Vickiâs hysterical behavior was utterly ridiculous.
âI registered our marriage with him to day,â Nicole blurted out the truth.
Vicki felt momentarily paralyzed as if lightning had struck her.
It seemed surreal, like hearing the most absurd joke imaginable.
Surely, Nicole hadnât married Jarrod, correct? She must have misunderstood.
Despite her skepticism, Vicki clenched her fingers, heart pounding.
Observing Vickiâs ashen face, Nicole experienced an indescribable sense of relief.
After all the hardship, she finally felt a small measure of vindication.
This debt, she would ensure Vicki repaid gradually.
Nicole continued, âTherefore, your suggestion for me to become a home wrecker is unacceptable, as my spouse likely wouldnât approve.
â
Nicoleâs words struck Vicki like a sudden torrent of ice water.
She shook uncontrollably, struggling to grasp the reality⦠âYouâre lying!â Vicki shrieked in a frenzy.
Vicki seized Jarrodâs arm and pleaded, âJarrod, say itâs not true.
Nicole must be deceiving me, isnât she? Jarrodâs silence deepened the chill in Vickiâs heart.
The undeniable truth loomed before her.
Jarrodâs gaze, void of any emotion, said, âYes, we are legally married.
â
It was like a bolt of revelation to Vicki.
Tears began to pool in her eyes.
âJarrod, this must be a joke?â She clung to his arm, shaking it desperately.
âYouâre joking, arenât you?â
Vicki earnestly sought to grasp a faint chance of optimism.
Tearfully, she exclaimed, âOur wedding is imminent! Iâve already selected my bridal gown.
Everyone is aware of our impending union! You cannot do this to meâ¦â
Jarrod remained impassive, dispassionately pushing Vicki away as he stated, âVicki, I offered you an opportunity, but you squandered it.
â