My Wife is a Hacker

Lying in bed with Nicole cradled in his arms, Jared whispered gently, "Sleep for a bit." "Mhm." Finally feeling at peace, Nicole smiled slightly, and she quickly fell asleep.

As Jared listened to her soft breathing, his eyes softened with affection, and he too closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, as the group got ready to head back to San Joto, Zane and Doretta came to say goodbye.

"I still have things to finish here, but I promise to be at your wedding," Zane said with a big smile.

"And I'll be there to wish you well, Nicole," Doretta added.

Saying goodbye is always hard, but everyone knew they had their own journeys to continue.

"Great, well see you in San Joto," Nicole said with a bright smile.

"It's time to go," Zane said, knowing they couldn't wait any longer without risking missing their plane.

"I've got the paperwork," Patricia said, ready to help with the travel documents for Jared and Nicole. Then, looking at Charlie, she asked," Need help with yours?"

Charlie paused, clearly wrestling with a decision. Then, with a sigh, he said, "Mr. Johnston, Mrs. Johnston, I've decided to stay." "Stay?" Patricia sounded surprised, trying to understand what he meant.

But Nicole seemed to get it. "Stay where?" she asked with a smile, hinting that she knew Charlie wanted to stay not just in Mecrounia, but with Zane and his team.

"I..." Charlie clenched his teeth.

He looked at Doretta, his decision clear. He wanted to stay because he had found his purpose and the person he wanted to be with, staying with Zane's team and Doretta was his choice for his future.

"Jared, Nicole, you're okay with this, right?" Zane asked, smiling. He knew Nicole had been important to their team and allowed her to leave. Now, he hoped they'd understand Charlie's decision.

"Absolutely," Nicole said. "It's his decision, and we support him."

She had noticed Charlie seemed preoccupied, likely thinking about his future. Now, his decision was made, and they would support him.

"Charlie, you're choosing the life you wanted," Patricia said, her feelings mixed but leaning toward happiness.

Charlie's choice meant they might not see each other often, but she was glad for him. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Zane laughed, "Well, he's with US now," and started to leave.

Doretta said, "Safe travels, Nicole, Mr. Johnston." "Thank you, and take care," Nicole replied, smiling.

She gave Charlie a knowing look, which made Doretta blush.

"Take care, Mr. and Mrs. Johnston," Charlie said, showing his respect.

He was thankful for their understanding and Zane's acceptance of his choice.

"I've found my path. Don't worry about me," Charlie told Patricia, promising to look after himself and their friend, Ellar.

Patricia nodded, trying not to cry, "I will."