âNo,â Nicole replied, shaking her head.
âThe housekeeper did.
I just supervised at the end.
â
âIâm not drunk,â Jarrod stated suddenly.
âEven if you arenât, itâs beneficial.
It contains medicinal herbs,â
Nicole urged softly.
Without another word, Jarrod consumed the soup quickly.
Seeing the empty bowl, Nicoleâs features softened slightly.
âIâll just rinse this,â she offered, taking the bowl.
âWait,â Jarrod interrupted.
Nicole tensed, pausing as she turned, striving to stay composed.
âWhat is it?â
âGive me the bowl,â Jarrod approached and said.
Nicole clutched the bowl tighter, questioning, âWhy?â
âWhy what?â Jarrod furrowed his brow.
âYour hand is burnt.
You shouldnât get it wet.
â
Hesitant, Nicole replied, âIâm ine.
â
Yet, Jarrod had already taken the bowl and headed to the sink, washing it himself.
After drying his hands, he suggested, âLetâs go to bed.
â
Jarrod half-embraced Nicole, leading her back to the bedroom.
As she lay in bed, Nicole tensed the moment he drew near.
Understanding her discomfort, especially after her visit to her mother, Jarrod knew she might recoil from his touch.
He gently patted her arm.
âRelax.
I wonât touch you tonight.
â
Surprised by his uncharacteristic consideration, Nicole remained tense, eyes shut.
Eventually, feeling no further movement from him, her breathing evened out, and she fell into a deep, restorative sleep.
As she was worn out from the dayâs events, she fell into a deep, restful sleep.
Beside her, Jarrod watched her intently, resting his chin on his hand.
After some time, he rose quietly and retreated to the bathroom for a cold shower.
Returning to bed, his phone illuminated.
A message from Alec read, âSir, donât eat or drink anything that woman gives you.
â
Jarrodâs expression remained unreadable as he deleted the message.
He lay down again beside Nicole.
Actually, Jarrod could have chosen not to drink the hangover soup.
He could have confronted Nicole, but he desired to keep her close by his side.
Despite the uncertainties of its contents, he drank it nonetheless.