Chapter 278

After Shirley left, Jessica stood trembling, her small face etched with guilt. "Cole, what should we do? It's all my fault. I've dragged you into this. I'm such a terrible person…" Tears shimmered in her eyes before she suddenly raised her hand and slapped herself hard across the face. The sharp crack of the slap echoed in the stillness, startling Cole. His heart ached as he rushed forward to catch her unsteady frame, wrapping his arms around her. "Don't do this, Jess. It's not your fault. I'm the one to blame." But Jessica pushed him away, her body wracked with sobs. "No, it's all my fault. Cole, you need to go back and explain everything to Nancy. Promise her you'll never see me again. I know she'll forgive you." Cole's heart wavered as he stared at Jessica's tear-streaked, delicate face. How could he bear it? Her voice cracked with remorse. "How could I have done such a thing? I knew you were married. I knew you had Nancy and a child together. How could I do this, Cole? I'm a s