Chapter 1690

Chapter 1689: Alternate Ending 8/10

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The weeks that followed were smoother than Nicole had experienced in years. While there were still challenges, open communication and consistent effort on both sides had transformed their relationship. However, there was one thing Nicole knew she needed to address before she could feel like everything was truly in order: Jarrod's relationship with his job.

For a long time, work had been a constant source of tension between them. Jarrod was ambitious and dedicated, but that dedication had taken him away from his family on too many occasions. Although he had made a real effort to better balance his work and family life in recent months, Nicole knew that internal struggle was still present. If they didn't resolve that aspect of their life, it could become a source of conflict again.

One night, after putting Austin to bed, Nicole decided it was time to talk about it. The two of them were sitting in the living room, and she watched Jarrod as he checked some emails on his tablet. Even though he wasn't in the office, his mind still seemed to be stuck on work.

“Jarrod,” she began, her tone soft but firm. “Can we talk for a moment?”

Jarrod looked up, surprised by the seriousness in his voice. “Sure, what’s up?”

Nicole took a moment to gather her thoughts before continuing. “I’ve noticed how much effort you’ve put into our relationship and being more present for Austin and me. And I'm really grateful for that. But there’s something we haven’t talked about yet… and that’s your relationship with work.”

Jarrod set the tablet aside, clearly interested in what Nicole had to say. “My relationship with work?” I repeated, with a slight smile. “I thought I was handling it better.”

“You are,” Nicole quickly assured. “But I still feel like it consumes you. Like, even when you're here, apart from you is still in the office, thinking about the next project or the next deal. And I don't want us to go back to the same old thing.”

Jarrod nodded slowly, acknowledging what Nicole was saying. “You're right,” he admitted, his tone sincere. “I've always been like this. Work has been my life for so long that it’s hard to completely switch off, even when I’m at home.”

Nicole watched him, noticing the weariness in his eyes. “I don't want you to feel like I'm asking you to give up what you love, Jarrod. I know how important it is to you, and I respect that. But I also want you to know that your family needs you here, they really do. And if you don’t find a way to balance that, I’m afraid we’ll fall back into the same patterns.”

Jarrod took a deep breath before answering. “I know it's something I still have to work on. And I don't want us to go back to what we were before. I want to be here for you and for Austin, fully. But I also realize that my work has been an important part of my life, not just because of ambition, but because it's given me purpose.”

Nicole, agreed understanding. “And I'm not asking you to give up on that purpose, but maybe there are ways to find a balance. Maybe you can delegate more, trust your team to handle certain things, so you can spend more time on what really matters.”

Jarrod was silent for a moment, reflecting on what Nicole had said. He knew she was right. He had let work become his entire life for so long that he barely knew how to function otherwise. But he also knew that he didn't want to lose Nicole and Austin because of his inability to switch off.

“I will,” he finally said, determinedly. “I'm going to start delegating more and trusting that I don't have to be in charge all the time. If that means I can be more present here, then that’s a change I’m willing to make.”

Nicole smiled, relieved. “That's all I'm asking of you, Jarrod. “I just want us to be together, for real, without work getting in the way.”

Jarrod took her hand, looking at her with a sincerity that touched her. “I promise I will, Nicole. “I will do whatever it takes to make this work.”

…

The change in Jarrod wasn't immediate, but over time, Nicole noticed that he began delegating more to his team and spending less time at the office. When he was at home, he was truly present, enjoying moments with Austin and making time for his relationship with Nicole. While there were still days when work took over, those days became the exception rather than the rule.

Nicole, for her part, was also feeling more secure in her relationship. She had learned to express herself clearly and not let worries build up inside her. Both she and Jarrod were growing, not just as a couple, but as individuals, and that growth had made them stronger.

One afternoon, while hanging out with Austin at the park, Jarrod received an important work call. For a brief moment, Nicole feared he would fall back into old patterns, but to her surprise, Jarrod looked at the phone, saw who was calling, and decided not to answer.

“Today is family day,” she said with a smile, putting her phone back in her pocket and turning her attention back to Austin, who was happily running through the park.

Nicole watched him, feeling a deep gratitude for the man he had chosen to be. She knew the road had been long and difficult, but seeing Jarrod there, with her and her son, she knew they had reached a place of balance. A place where they could both be happy without sacrificing what mattered most.

…

The days continued to pass with a new normal. Nicole and Jarrod had found a balance between their responsibilities and their family life. There were moments of tension, of course, but they now knew how to handle them, how to talk about them without them becoming insurmountable barriers.

Nicole looked to the future with optimism. She knew that life would always bring new challenges, but she also knew that together, she and Jarrod could overcome them. After all, they had proven that love was not just a feeling, but a daily decision to be there for each other, even when things weren't easy.

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