Right Person, Wrong Time

"Nicky, have you forgotten you're still carrying my child?" Colton's voice reverberated through the room.

Nicole hesitated in her steps, her intention to leave momentarily faltering. After a brief pause, she exited the room.

Meanwhile, he remained rooted in place as he watched her walk away. He understood that she rarely wavered once she decided, no matter what he said. Yet, he couldn't accept this reality, and soon, a self-blame storm was brewing.

"Mr. Gardner, Miss Wrenn is here," Roxanna announced from the doorway. Although she stood outside, the voices from within allowed her to piece together the situation.

Given Nicole's fragile health and the precarious nature of the child in her, Roxanna surmised that a swift resolution might be the best course of action, despite the pain it would undoubtedly cause Colton. She couldn't help but feel frustrated at how Evelyn seemed to be the sole beneficiary of this complicated situation. While suppressing her discontent, Roxanna refrained from showing outward signs of inner turmoil.

"Tell me! What happened to Nicky? Tell me!" The man was bordering on madness now as he grasped Roxanna's arms and demanded answers.

Roxanna was taken aback by Colton's sudden outburst as she swiftly freed herself from his grip. "Mr. Gardner, please compose yourself. Nicole believes that you have betrayed her. You are well aware of her temperament; she has no tolerance for deceit, especially concerning another woman carrying your child."

Her words penetrated his turmoil, prompting him to release his grip on her arm as if reluctantly acknowledging her explanation.

Exhaling a sigh of relief, Roxanna continued, "Mr. Gardner, please leave now. After all, this is a research center, and outsiders are not allowed to stay." Her allegiance lay with Nicole, and all decisions depended on Nicole's choices. Even though she felt sorry for the two lovers, the threads of love that needed to be severed had to be cut without hesitation.

Meanwhile, Nicole sat slumped by the doorway of her room. She managed to maintain a facade of composure in Colton's presence, aware that her guise would likely crumble soon after parting with him. With a resigned exhale, she struggled to regulate her breath, feeling an unanticipated weakness coursing through her as if several of her internal organs had abruptly faltered.

"Nicole!" Roxanna intended to brief her on Colton and Evelyn, only to find Nicole collapsing before entering her room. "Nicole, what's happening? Should I call Chloe? This isn't good for you!" Her concern became palpable—her eyes reddened and brimming with tears. She held Nicole helplessly, casting desperate glances around; even her voice carried a weeping undertone.

Nicole pressed her lips as she mustered a faint smile. "Don't be silly. What good would it do to call Chloe? It was my own fault for not listening to her advice. My erratic emotions... Cough.." Before she could finish her sentence, a severe coughing fit overtook her.