Chapter 512

? ? ? ? ?

She softened her tone as she desperately wanted to save Nicole out of Jarrod's place. "Is that call about Nicole?"

Mitchel frowned. He knew it. Raegan asked only for her friend's sake. Even though he expected it, Mitchel couldn't contain his frustration. "So I'm useful to you now?"

His words stung Raegan. In a way I understood his feelings. Those words were far from pleasant.

Raegan lowered her eyes slightly and thought maybe she should apologize to him. His harsh words came from his fear of continuing to hope. She didn't want to be hurt or made fun of again.

Raegan showed bravery by admitting her mistakes. After realizing that his words were much harsher than the situation required, he steeled himself and uttered, "I'm sorry..."

The world seemed to stop in that moment of silence.

Raegan raised her eyes, only to find that Mitchel's figure had disappeared.

He had left, just like that.

Raegan's heart felt like it was sinking into a frozen lake. She felt a wave of pain and bitterness wash over her. This feeling was not new. It reminded her of times past, when Mitchel had left her alone.

Why did he still have hopes for Mitchel?

Raegan laughed at herself, a laugh laced with bitterness, realizing her naivety. Couldn't she learn from those experiences of suffering and become wiser from her disappointments? It became clear that having no expectations was his shield.

Just as Raegan was about to leave, a car horn honked in the driveway.

A luxurious black car pulled up and rolled down the window to reveal Mitchel's handsome face. He glanced at Raegan and asked, "Are you coming or not?"

Raegan hadn't thought he'd come back for her. So he had just gone to get the car.

With mixed feelings, Raegan grabbed her phone and cautiously entered her vehicle.

Their journey was shrouded in silence.

Raegan struggled with the feelings of being left alone. His emotions were a whirlwind.

Mitchel observed her worried demeanor and the noticeable distance she maintained, awakening a wave of frustration in him.

He had tried hard to please her, but she had simply taken his efforts for granted, claiming that they had satisfied her own needs. If he had only cared about satisfying her desire, she would not have the energy to argue with him.

Mitchell sighed. He wasn't in the mood to be charming today.

After all, his attempts seemed in vain. Self-destruction was not a sustainable path.

The car stopped next to a private villa, hidden from view. Bodyguards dressed in black stood guard to ensure safety.

The isolation of the village worried Raegan, as if it were a fortress holding Nicole captive.

At the door, the guards recognized Mitchel and allowed him to pass, but hesitated with Raegan, suggesting a security check.

Mitchel's gaze became icy, penetrating, as he stated firmly: "She is with me."

This statement made Raegan's heart skip a beat, her nerves tingling.

With the guards still uncertain, Mitchel grabbed Raegan's hand, walked firmly past them, and pronounced, "I answer for her."

They continued inside, his hand still clutching hers.

The warmth and softness of Raegan's hand in Mitchel's was unexpectedly comforting, like holding a marshmallow.

As they walked up the stairs together, Raegan's apprehension persisted, but she didn't pull away. In that brief moment, his firm embrace provided a semblance of security.

Entering an upstairs room, Raegan quickly noticed that Jarrod had strayed far from his usual robust demeanor. His complexion was pale as death, indicating his fragile state.

It was the first time Raegan had seen Jarrod in such a weakened state and with serious injuries.

Next to Jarrod's bed sat Nicole.

Releasing Mitchel's hand, Raegan approached Nicole, her voice tinged with concern, and said, "Nicole..."

Raegan paused at the sound of Nicole's name, refraining from uttering any more words inappropriate to the current situation.

Sensing the atmosphere, Jarrod prepared some refreshments for Raegan, suggesting a more informal setting for their talk.

When Nicole left the room, Jarrod's gaze followed her, intense and mysterious, almost disturbing.

Mitchel settled into a chair, his voice worried. "How are you holding up?"

Jarrod seemed indifferent. «Not too bad. "The wound only grazed my stomach and did not reach any vital organs."

Seeing the noticeable bite marks on Mitchel's face and remembering Mitchel's hand-to-hand entrance with Raegan, Jarrod probed, "Have things smoothed out between you two?"

Mitchel's anger was palpable. "Not at all."

Jarrod gave a weak smile. «Your problems with Raegan are not as complex as mine with Nicole. It is mostly about misunderstandings.

Take advantage of the opportunity. "It's not very difficult to win over Raegan."

«Conquer her?» Mitchel frowned, skeptical at the statement.

He had made no such efforts for other women, unsure of what "it's not difficult" entailed.

Jarrod observed: “You treated Lauren well and Raegan was understanding and even forgiving. Doesn't that show that Raegan wasn't difficult to win over?

Mitchel was perplexed. “Did I treat Lauren well?”

Mitchel believed that mere material provision was not genuine affection.

To him, money meant very little. It was with Raegan that he had really tried hard, trying to right his wrongs. However, Raegan seemed to not appreciate it, even belittling his efforts!

Adjusting his sore arm, Jarrod commented lightly, "I understand." For you, material support is not real attention. But women tend to see it differently. His frown is significant. It indicates jealousy, a sign that you care. "They rarely admit it openly."

.

.

.