"Let''s wait and see what Zane finds," Nicole sighed, acknowledging theplexity of the current


    situation.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    "Alright." Seeing the weariness on Nicole''s face, Lulu said, "I won''t pry further, then. I''ll head out too."


    She thought to herself, ''It seemsplicated, and since Nicole said to wait, we''ll wait a bit longer.’


    After Lulu left, Nicole took a deep breath, gathered her spirits, and picked up the documents on her


    desk, immersing herself in work. She hoped that by focusing on her tasks, she could temporarily set


    aside her concerns, trusting that soon there might be a resolution.


    At the hospital, Patricia found Charlie''s room.


    "Are you okay?" She asked, her eyes getting red as if she might cry.


    "I''m okay, look," Charlie said, trying to cheer her up. "Still in one piece."


    Patricia was upset. "Okay? Look at you!" "It''s good to be alive," Charlie said, smiling and patting her


    hand. "Why are you here and not resting?" "I came to see you," Patricia said. "Maybe you should


    transfer to our hospital. We could take care of each other if you were closer." "No need," Charlie said.


    ''TH be discharged soon anyway."


    "But I worry about you here alone," Patricia said.


    I''m not alone," Charlie exined. "Two other squad members are here, and we have people taking


    care of US. I''ll recover quickly here."


    Patricia sighed, epting Charlie’s decision. She realized that since


    Charlie''s squad members were also there, transferring him wasn''t necessary.


    "How are things with you and Er?" Charlie asked, more seriously, trying to find out more about


    Patricia''s feelings.


    "What do you mean? There''s nothing between us!" Patricia exined quickly, a hint of panic in her


    voice.


    Charlie said thoughtfully, "It''s okay to hide things from others, but can you hide them from yourself?"


    He had thought that after recent events, Patricia and Er would have talked about their feelings, but it


    seemed they hadn''t made any progress.


    Even if they hadn''t talked, it was obvious to everyone around them.


    Feeling flustered, Patricia changed the subject. "Charlie, would you like some fruit?"


    With a sigh, Charlie said earnestly, "Patricia, it''s time to face your feelings."


    Patricia stopped, letting go of the apple in her hand, and her arm dropped.


    Biting her lip, she said quietly, "Can we not talk about this right now?" "You''ll have to deal with it


    eventually," Charlie said. "I understand your concerns, but have you thought that by acting this way,


    you might be burdening me?" "I..." Patricia''s face paled, and she struggled to find words.


    For years, they had relied on each other like siblings. She worried about Charlie and didn''t want him to


    be in danger, which was why she was hesitant to leave him. But was her protectiveness a burden to


    him?


    "I know you care about me, but have you considered what I care about?" Charlie asked, looking at


    Patricia. "You worry about me, but my only wish is for you to be happy."


    "I am happy when I''m with you, knowing you''re safe," Patricia said firmly.


    "No, that''s not true happiness," Charlie said firmly. "Your happiness lies in living a normal life with Er,


    having aplete family, and eventually having your own children, not staying with me in solitude till


    old age."