Chapter 1042

That symbolic identity was like a cage that had Cory completely trapped. And he wasn't the only one—Nicole was shackled by it as well. "Go home. I'll be waiting for your good news." With that, Richard turned and went upstairs. The door to the top-floor bedroom opened. Richard walked in and looked at Nicole, who was still asleep in bed. There were red marks on her wrists and ankles from being tied up. After fetching a bucket of warm water, Richard dampened the towel and wiped away the tear streaks on her face. He then tended to the wounds on her wrists. He sat by her bedside until dawn. Suddenly, Nicole jolted violently, then shot upright the moment her eyes snapped open. "Ms. Joyner!" "Nicole, did you have a nightmare?" Richard pulled the blanket up over her. Nicole realized a day had passed since last night. Propping herself up with her arms, she leaned back, her bright eyes filled with wariness as she looked at Richard. "Don't be scared. I'm here." Richard took a tissue and