? ? ? ? ?

Nicole's every word hit Jarrod like a dagger, reminding him of his past actions. How absurd and despicable it was!

“Ding.” The elevator reached the ground floor.

Without another word, Nicole pushed his hand away, ready to leave.

As he was about to leave, Jarrod grabbed his wrist. He cleared his throat, his voice rough. «I've screwed up before. I'll make it up to you."

Nicole laughed mockingly. «Fix it? How, Mr. Schultz? Can it undo death or heal the wounds that those events etched in my heart?

Those were things that no one could do.

Jarrod, his voice full of emotion, said, “Suggest something I can do right now…”

"Go to hell!" Nicole said sharply. "That's what you can do."

Jarrod felt like he had been stabbed in the heart, the pain was overwhelming. Although he was known for his callousness, he was left speechless.

He whispered, "You know that's not something I can do..."

"Stop talking about compensating me if you can't really do anything!" Nicole scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. “The only way you could make it up to me is if you died a thousand times, without leaving even one body intact.”

Nicole's words cut like a knife. His gaze was filled with hidden disgust.

Even after she left, Jarrod was still ashen-faced.

When Alec approached him, Jarrod was still standing alone, staring at the wall, his hand pressed against his chest, as if in deep pain. None of the bodyguards dared to approach him or say anything to comfort him.

For Jarrod, these moments of loneliness and pain had become all too familiar. Lost in his thoughts, he felt a sharp pain in his body that no doctor could explain. Being the cause of Jarrod's remorse and pain, only Nicole could have a way to deal with it.

Stepping out of the elevator, Nicole raised her eyes to the white ceiling above. A headache pounded his temples, blurring his vision. He regretted letting his bitterness and anger show so openly.

It had been a hasty decision.

At times, he felt that his deep hatred was beyond his control. It was as if a ghost was chasing her, slowly squeezing her neck and making her relive her past. This led to countless sleepless nights filled with unbearable pain. And the source of all his agony was Jarrod.

It was five whole years. From his initial desperation and thoughts of ending it all to slowly finding his way back to a somewhat normal life and job.

Five years can change many people and many things. To others, she seemed to have changed.

But Nicole was the only one who knew that her heart had not healed. It was deteriorating. Although she was alive, she felt like the living dead. I took tons of antidepressants not because I wanted to live, but in the hope that one day I could die without regrets.

As she turned the corner, the bright lights ahead overwhelmed her.

Nicole fought back tears and steeled herself. The sleepless nights and living in torment should not have been hers alone.

After the meeting, Nicole went with some leaders to a buffet dinner.

Nicole's superior was a powerful woman named Archer, who had always been understanding and kind.

Before returning to the country, Nicole had already left her job.

However, Archer, aware of Nicole's ambition to run a company, invited her to join a project.

For Nicole, joining the project was a much better opportunity than trying to make it on her own. She accepted delightedly.

Nicole had created the company in name only, keeping her involvement a secret so as not to raise Jarrod's suspicions. He even used a false position to keep his plans secret.

Nicole was grateful for Archer's support and gladly collaborated on various tasks, such as presenting at dinner parties.

Halfway through dinner, Archer felt unwell and had to leave early, leaving Nicole to entertain the partners.

At dinner there was also a social dance for those who wanted to dance or just chat. At these events, it was common for wealthy young women to approach men they were interested in.

Most of the conference attendees were wealthy, so single men were especially popular.

Nicole, with a drink in her hand and standing to the side, noticed Jarrod.

He instantly attracted the attention of several women. His perfectly tailored suit and the slightly unbuttoned collar that showed his collarbone made him stand out.

Jarrod was a memorable sight. Many women looked at him surreptitiously, clearly showing their interest. He was undeniably handsome and wealthy, which made him attractive to those who did not know him well.

But Nicole knew his darker side, something that not everyone was aware of.

Despite the attention he received, few women approached him.

His bad-tempered appearance put them off, as they feared that he would not be friendly if they tried to start a conversation.

Nicole watched him, amused at first, but her mood quickly changed when she saw Jarrod staring at her from across the room. Jarrod approached, spoiling the party.

Nicole decided to leave, wanting to avoid any drama with him.

But then, out of nowhere, a poised, attractive girl stood in front of Jarrod, obviously from a rich family, bravely drawing his attention.

With Jarrod distracted, Nicole took the opportunity to sneak outside.

The patio was lively, with a barbecue in full swing and large fans spreading fresh air. Guests mingled with drinks in hand.

Nicole, with her glass almost empty, went for more fruity wine.

It was a plum drink, sour and sweet, perfectly refreshing without being too strong.

Nicole looked for a place to sit. Suddenly, someone pushed her and her drink splashed on her skirt and the other person's shoes.

"You shocked me," the man exclaims. He was a little heavier and looked disheveled. Mistaking Nicole for one of the employees because of her attire, he blamed her loudly.

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