This term served as a test for Nicole.
Jarrod wasnât without flaws.
To him, permitting Nicole to visit their child constituted a significant concession on his part.
If Nicole harbored any thoughts of remarriage, Jarrod wouldnât hesitate to sever her access to their child.
He adamantly refused to entertain the notion of another man raising his child.
And there was one more thingâ¦
Jarrod furrowed his brow, deep in contemplation.
Nicole hadnât expected Jarrod to make such a demand, and she was momentarily stunned.
However, she swiftly replied, âVery well, I agree.
â
Nicole had never entertained thoughts of remarriage.
Aware of Jarrodâs inclination for pettiness, she had long abandoned any aspirations of marriage.
Observing her swift acquiescence, Jarrodâs initial unease subsided slightly.
Nicole inquired, âIs there anything else?â
âThereâs one more thing.
â Jarrod hesitated briefly before uttering, âI want you to keep this baby.
â
This statement hit Nicole like a bolt, leaving her speechless with her mouth agape in disbelief.
After a prolonged moment of stunned silence, she looked up, her gaze distant, and faltered, âWhat⦠What are you saying?â
Jarrod approached slowly, his eyes fixed on her abdomen.
âI want you to keep this baby.
â
âI⦠Iâm not pregnant,â Nicole struggled to articulate, feeling as though her heart was being constricted.
Nicole vividly recalled Austin had been conceived unintentionally.
Initially fearing for Austinâs survival within her belly, Austin had proven to be resilient, defying the odds and thriving despite the initial challenges.
Yet, the subsequent complications arising from her involvement with Jarrod had inflicted considerable anguish upon her.
Austin had become her Achillesâ heel, a vulnerability that Jarrod was aware of.
Thus, she would never acknowledge her pregnancy.
Jarrod retrieved a medical record from the desk and approached her, asserting, âNicole, I donât make baseless assumptions.
â
The document meticulously outlined Nicoleâs check-up and the prescribed medications.
With unwavering resolve, Jarrod declared, âI wonât allow you to terminate this pregnancy.
â
The moment Jarrod obtained the medical records, he promptly reached out to Nicole, having anticipated her resistance and mentally prepared himself.
He was prepared to make any compromise necessary to ensure the preservation of this child.
This was his child, the child of the woman he desired.
Upon learning of Nicoleâs pregnancy, all his jealousy and resentment became inconsequential.
His sole desire was for Nicole to carry the baby to term.
If it were a boy, he would train him to assist Austin in managing the family business, envisioning the brothers as formidable forces in the Ardlens market.
If it were a girl, she would be adored by the Schultz family, cherished by both Austin and himself, leading a life filled with happiness and devoid of worries.
As Nicoleâs eyes regained focus, she offered a bitter, sardonic smile.
Then, there was a crisp sound as Nicoleâs hand connected with Jarrodâs face.
Five distinct finger marks were imprinted on Jarrodâs handsome right cheek, evidencing the strength behind Nicoleâs blow.
Nicoleâs scream dripped with venomous hatred.
âHow dare you dictate that I should keep this baby! What right do you have? This child has nothing to do with you!â