But deep down, she couldn’t let it go. Her gaze smoldered with resentment as she looked at Jamie. She and Ryan had been together for five years. She had brought up marriage more than once, craving the stability of a home together, but every time, he had brushed it off, saying he wasn’t ready to be tied down. She had believed him. It wasn’t until she saw Jamie that she understood that “not ready” was just an excuse. He simply hadn’t found the person he truly wanted to marry. If Jamie had been the one to suggest marriage, Ryan would have jumped at the chance, probably grinning like a fool.“Let’s go. Do you really want the hospital to call security on you?” Ryan tugged her arm again. “This is a hospital, not your personal drama stage. Enough is enough.”Her? Overreacting? Was she the cause of all this? If Ryan hadn’t taken the day off to come here, if he hadn’t been in touch with Jamie, none of this would have happened. She was the one hurt in all this, wasn’t she? Her stomac
“If he had just been more like the other rich guys, just treating women like a pastime, then he wouldn't care if she left,” Ben thought, bitterness creeping into his mind. If Winnie didn't see Jamie as her sister, she wouldn't have gotten dragged into this mess today.Jamie remained silent, sensing Ben’s intentional jabs. As a lawyer and as someone who had once loved her deeply, he knew exactly what words would sting the most. She kept telling herself not to let his words get to her, to block them out, but they drilled into her like a spell.“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Ben grabbed her face, forcing her to look directly at him. “Don't play dumb now. You’re plenty chatty when it comes to other men. Why is it that with me, you’re suddenly speechless?”The door behind them creaked open. Winnie stepped out, noticing how close the two were. She stopped in her tracks, hesitation in her voice, “Jack, Jamie…what are you two doing?”They were standing so close. It seemed almost too i
Winnie didn't mind much, considering Jack's personality. He was attentive in so many other ways, and she wasn't about to nitpick over this.“Have the test results come back? How’s the baby?” Ben asked, steering the conversation.Winnie smiled. “The baby’s fine. The doctor asked about my symptoms and, thankfully, there’s no bleeding. They think it was just stress that caused the pain. The doctor advised rest and some prenatal medication, and no strenuous activity for a while.”“Then stay home and rest for the next few days. Don’t follow your sister around everywhere.” Ben walked alongside her, casting a meaningful look at Jamie as they passed. Winnie was like a rope, one end held tightly in Ben’s grasp, the other end tied to Jamie. The more Winnie clung to him, the more he tightened his hold, binding Jamie inextricably through her.“Jamie, are you coming home with us, or heading back to see Charlie?” Winnie asked.Jamie quickly chose the latter. She wanted to avoid Ben as much as
The going rate for housekeepers in the area was usually around $10 an hour, but this family was offering $16. It was definitely a high pay. A quick shift would bring Jamie close to $60, and she couldn’t pass up such a good opportunity.Mrs. Lawrence chuckled, “I’ll send you the exact address. They’ve got a smart lock, so you can just head over; they’ll unlock it remotely. This family’s loaded, and they appreciate help that’s thorough and meticulous. If you do well, this could even turn into a long-term gig.”Jamie put down the phone and hugged her son, “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I wanted to spend more time with you today, but Mrs. Lawrence just called, and I have to go to work now.”Of course, she wanted to be there for him, but if she stayed, she wouldn’t be able to earn money, and without money, there wouldn’t be funds for his treatment. And what good would it do for him to have her around but no access to the medical care he needed?“Mom, you don’t have to apologize. I should be
“I remember when my sister was pregnant. She was near her due date and in such a rough state, emotionally shattered. I didn’t want to ask about the father and reopen her wounds. But I assume the child’s father is her ex-boyfriend.”Ben’s exasperation grew. Her ex-boyfriend? That was him. He kept his tone neutral and probed further, “So why did your sister break up with him? They had a child. They should’ve married, like we’re planning to.”“Maybe he didn’t want to settle down? I really don’t know. She never talked to me about it,” Winnie replied, oblivious to the depth of his reaction.A wry smile played on Ben’s lips. Jamie had really spun things in her favor. She had ended their relationship in a way that tore him apart, yet somehow managed to paint herself as the wronged party to her sister. Now, he was cast as the heartless one, the one who had abandoned her.“It’s been four years now,” Winnie continued, oblivious to Ben’s brooding. “Charlie’s grown up so much. I keep telling
Jamie replied calmly, “But being a cleaner pays better.” She had heard similar comments before. Even Mrs. Lawrence, the agency manager, had mentioned how rare it was to see someone her age in this line of work. Given the choice, Jamie wouldn’t have picked this path either. But with no one to lean on, and Charlie needing costly medical treatments, she had no other option. Even though Winnie had lent her some money, it still needed to be repaid. Jamie preferred earning her own way, even if it meant harder work. At least she could spend that money with a clear conscience.“Got a younger brother at home or something?” Mr. Adams asked, his eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her skin crawl.Jamie was focused on cleaning the TV stand, her back to him. “I don’t have a brother. But I do have a son. I’m working to save up for his medical expenses.”At first, Mr. Adams thought Jamie was joking. “Come on, you’re kidding, right? Look at you! You’re so slim and fit! You can’t pos
Mrs. Adams transferred the payment quickly. “Let’s add each other as contacts,” she suggested. “Our place needs cleaning three times a week, and if we're ever away, you could stop by daily. I’ll reach out directly.”“Sounds good. I’ll be on my way, then.” Jamie returned the cleaning supplies to the service room and headed out. High-end apartments were convenient. With all the cleaning supplies provided, she didn’t need to bring a thing. She only had to show up.Behind her, she could hear Mr. Adams complimenting his wife, “Is that the new dress you bought? It looks amazing on you, really brings out your glow. You’re looking better every day.” He had a comfortable life in a city-center luxury apartment and a high-paying job, not because of his talent, but thanks to his wife’s connections and background. Though he resented her, privately thinking of her as frumpy and unattractive, he was always quick to lavish her with praise.As for Jamie? He hadn’t succeeded today, but he figured
After graduation, one became a lawyer and the other a judge, and with their lines of work, they still saw each other fairly often. During the four years he was apart from Jamie, Ben often met up with Caden for drinks, finding it a small comfort for the ache he carried. Their friendship ran deep, and lending some cash was no big deal.“Alright, I'll just come out with it. Could you lend me $20,000?” Caden asked. “But I’ll need it in cash. Let’s meet at the bar tonight, and you can bring it with you.”“Why cash? A transfer would be a lot easier.” Ben’s curiosity was piqued.After a pause, Caden explained, “It’s for my grandma. She’s in her eighties, doesn’t read, doesn’t have a phone, and trusts cash only. I owe you one, buddy.”“Alright, old place tonight,” Ben agreed, thinking he could use a drink himself.He withdrew the cash from a nearby bank, placed it in a small paper bag, and drove to their usual bar. Over the years, he had come here often enough to be familiar with the st