That day, Ben didn’t go to the office. Instead, he urged Jamie, “It’s about time. Let’s go.”Jamie, carrying Charlie, hurried out. “Coming, coming.”Seeing her glowing appearance, Ben smiled and teased, “You’re looking more beautiful every day.”Jamie rolled her eyes playfully. “I didn’t know you could be so smooth-talking.”Ben chuckled. “Is telling the truth considered smooth-talking? Or are you just afraid to face how stunning you really are?”Jamie sighed, exasperated but amused. “Alright, enough. Let’s get going.”Ben started heading to the car but paused, giving himself a once-over. Shaking his head, he said, “No, this outfit doesn’t match yours. We don’t look like a couple.”“You’re seriously going to change?” Jamie raised an eyebrow.“Of course. Help me pick something,” he said with a grin.Unable to argue with him, Jamie followed him back upstairs. After rummaging through his wardrobe, they chose an outfit that complemented hers perfectly. Satisfied, Ben admired himse
“Charlie, give Grandma a kiss, will you?” Mrs. Lucas asked, holding the child in her arms.Charlie shook his head firmly. “No!”Mrs. Lucas froze for a moment, a flicker of hurt flashing across her face. But she understood that it would take time for them to fully accept her. She didn’t push it. “Alright, let’s just keep taking the photos.”The photographer was about to continue when loud commotion suddenly erupted outside. Irritated, the photographer walked to the door and yelled, “Keep it down!”No sooner had the words left his mouth than a man burst in, wild-eyed, grabbing the photographer’s equipment and slamming it to the ground. Everyone was stunned. Jamie instinctively shielded Charlie in her arms, her heart racing.The intruder’s gaze landed on the family taking their happy photos. His bloodshot eyes burned with rage as he screamed, “Why do you get to be so happy? Why?!”Panic filled the air as the man charged toward them. Jamie, acting on instinct, pushed Charlie behi
Jamie knew that ever since Mrs. Lucas had promised to stop interfering in her and Ben’s relationship, something about her had profoundly changed.“I know, I’ve noticed. These past few weeks, you’ve been the one taking care of Charlie,” Jamie said, her eyes reddening with emotion.Mrs. Lucas choked up. “He’s my grandson. I didn’t do anything for him before, but now it’s my responsibility.”Her voice trembled. “And honestly, this is the only way I can ease my conscience, even a little.”Letting go of her control, choosing not to obstruct their lives, and doing what little she could now—it was like a knife cutting into her heart every day, leaving her overwhelmed with regret. She hadn’t even thought about it earlier when she stepped in front of the blade. All she could think was that Jamie couldn’t die. Jamie needed to live, to build a happy life with Ben. That was the only way forward.“All of that is in the past,” Jamie said, her voice breaking with emotion. “What matters now is
Previously, when Ben and Jamie were separated, they had both suffered deeply. In his desperation, Ben had even used the name Jack to get close to Winnie, a decision that nearly cost him his chance to be with Jamie.Mrs. Lucas’s voice was hoarse as she spoke, her guilt spilling out. “Even if we’re moving forward, we can’t completely forget the past. I’ve been a terrible person. Now you’re both taking care of me, but I know how busy you are. You don’t have to waste your time here with me. Focus on your own lives.”She genuinely didn’t want to take up their time, but how could Jamie just leave Mrs. Lucas unattended? And with Jamie determined to stay, Ben had no intention of leaving either. After all, the woman lying on that hospital bed was his mother.“If we don’t take care of you, who will?” Jamie said firmly. “Don’t say things like that. Right now, the most important thing is for you to recover. And if you don’t, who’s going to watch over Charlie?”Ben reached out, gently rufflin
Leaving was the best choice for Winnie.“But that’s all in the past. You can’t stay away forever. Winnie, you’re my only sister,” Jamie said, her throat tight, her voice heavy with emotion.Ben, overhearing her conversation, gently patted her shoulder, giving her an encouraging look.Jamie hesitated but quickly made up her mind. “Winnie, wait for me. I’m coming to see you now. If you’re really going to leave, you at least owe me a proper goodbye in person.”Without waiting for a reply, Jamie dashed out of the hospital room, leaving Ben, Mrs. Lucas, and Charlie behind.Charlie wanted to go with her. He adored his aunt, and she had always been so kind to him. But he held himself back, knowing now wasn’t the time to cause trouble. *Winnie wanted to take their mother away, and Jamie was sure that Winnie was with Linda now.Jamie hurried to where Winnie was, her heart racing. When she arrived, she spotted her sister immediately. Winnie smiled. It was a bittersweet expression tha
Winnie gave a faint smile. “I’ve already let it go. But think about it, you’re now living a high-profile life as part of an influential family. Do you really want the media constantly digging into your past because of me?”She spoke calmly, but the weight of her words hit Jamie like a stone. Linda and Winnie were destined to live in the shadows.Jamie understood what Winnie was saying, but she also knew that no one could choose the circumstances of their birth. And she, for one, would never turn her back on her mother or her sister.“Winnie…” Jamie tried to argue, but Winnie interrupted her.“Don’t start, sis. Living a good life is the best thing you can do for both of us.“And even if I don’t leave now, I’ll have to eventually. You might be able to keep me here for a year, maybe two, but you can’t control my life forever. Right now, I just want a bit of freedom and to take Mom with me. I’ve already made up my mind, so let’s not waste time going in circles.”Jamie hesitated for a
Ben looked at Jamie and asked, “Are you sure you can manage this on your own? Mom’s condition makes it hard to care for her without help. Turning her over in bed alone won’t be easy without a nurse.”Jamie’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Did you forget what I used to do? I’ve handled far worse jobs to pay for Charlie’s medical bills. Compared to that, this is nothing.”Her words tugged painfully at Ben’s heart. Jamie had carried the entire family’s burden on her own in the past, and the thought of her enduring so much made him ache.“I’m sorry… for everything before. You’ve been through so much,” he said in a low, hoarse voice.Jamie waved it off with a light laugh. “This isn’t some grand apology ceremony. Besides, haven’t we agreed to leave the past where it belongs?”Just as she finished speaking, her phone rang. It was Nina.“Come over with Charlie,” Nina said over the phone. “Gemma keeps asking about her little brother.”Nina genuinely considered Jamie a friend, and besid
“The military is the military, but this is my home. Now that you’re here, there’s no way I’m letting you be treated poorly,” Nina said, holding Scarlett’s hand warmly. It had been a long time since they had seen each other, and seeing Scarlett now reminded her of Yvonne.Scarlett chuckled. “You could never treat me poorly. But I heard Pharaoh has been unwell. How is he doing?”“He’s undergoing chemotherapy,” Nina replied with a sigh. “With cancer, you never really know. Some people survive for decades, while others have only days after their diagnosis.”“I’d like to visit him,” Scarlett said. Despite everything, she felt a deep sense of gratitude toward Pharaoh. After all, he and Wilfred had trained her. Even though her past with Sawyer had been painful, it was behind her now. Everyone was trying to move forward.“Let’s eat first. I’ll take you to see him after,” Nina offered.“All right,” Scarlett agreed.Nina decided that leaving everything to the helper wasn’t enough. She
“There’s a surveillance camera overhead, just so you know,” Ben said coldly, his gaze sharp as a blade. “I get it that you’re here to stick up for Summer. But let me be clear: whatever happened between the Lucas family and the Larson family is none of your business.”He held up the empty glass, his tone unwavering. “That drink was a warning. Don’t even think about testing my limits.”Jamie was his limit—his bottom line. He wouldn’t allow anyone to harm or disrespect her.Lila’s voice rang out, dripping with mockery as she addressed the gathering crowd. “Did everyone hear that? He’s threatening me with a drink as a ‘warning.’ Anyone here would agree this behavior is out of line. And all because I said a few words?“Ben Lucas, someone like you will get what’s coming to you!” Lila snapped, her voice sharp and bitter. “Doesn’t anyone wonder why someone who was doing so well as a lawyer suddenly gave it all up to become a CEO? Doesn’t everyone know lawyers aren’t supposed to engage in b
Jamie and Ben didn’t care about anyone else’s opinions.“You really think you and Ben can last?” The woman’s tone dripped with disdain. “Don’t forget, your statuses are worlds apart. If Ben didn’t care, why would he keep bringing you to events like these? Clearly, he does care.”Jamie noticed the woman’s provocative glare. Her elegance and poise were unmistakable, but her words revealed a heart filled with malice.With a calm but cutting tone, Jamie responded, “Even if Ben does care, that’s his business, not yours. And let’s be honest, you’d never have the courage to say this in front of him, would you? So, what’s the point of saying it to me?”Jamie didn’t even bother to take the woman seriously. Her relationship with Ben was her own, and she knew better than anyone how much he valued her.The woman sneered. “Oh, trust me, I’d say it to his face. But I assumed you had some self-awareness. Clearly, I was mistaken. You’re pathetic, Jamie.”With that, she spun on her heels and walk
“I was with Nash and the others today,” Ben said as he leaned back into the couch. “Jamie, tomorrow I want to take you to an exclusive high-society gala. If there’s anything you want or need for the occasion, just let me know.”For Jamie, the idea of attending such events held little appeal. What truly mattered to her was simply being by Ben’s side. Yet, Ben seemed determined to introduce her to this world, using his connections and influence to elevate her standing and help her thrive.But Jamie’s heart leaned toward a simpler life, one focused on family and the small joys within their home.“You’ve already given me everything I could ever want—friends, a safe life, love. I don’t feel drawn to these events. Can I skip this one?” she asked gently. Spending time with Charlie and bringing him over to play with Orion sounded like a better plan.Ben’s gaze softened. “If you really don’t want to go, I’ll respect your choice. But skipping out might not look great. There will be more occa
As soon as Ben spoke, Caleb and Hunter gave him exaggerated thumbs-up. “Married with a kid, and you’re still feeling lost? You’re a real genius,” Caleb teased.Nash patted Ben on the shoulder, his tone reassuring. “You’ve got a kid now, no need to overthink it. Just do your best for her. Besides, wasn’t Jamie doing great last time she was with Nina?”Ben paused, reflecting on Jamie’s recent state. Ever since she had started focusing on what she truly wanted, stepping back from exhausting tasks, she seemed much more at ease and full of life.Caleb said, “I’m heading out of town next month for a conference. If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t even be here today.”“I’m flying abroad tomorrow,” Hunter added quickly.Clearly, this meetup was a rare opportunity to gather before everyone got busy again.Nash glanced at the two of them with a smirk. “And you two have the nerve to tease Ben? What about you guys? When are you settling down and having kids?“Don’t tell me, by the time our k
The senior judge on the panel smiled warmly and said, “Attorney Lewis, your defense was exceptional. Your understanding and application of legal principles left a lasting impression. Your arguments were clear, your logic airtight, and you provided a fresh perspective on this case.”Other judges nodded in agreement, offering Jamie high praise for her performance. As the competition concluded, Jamie stepped off the stage to the sound of applause from the audience. Her confidence had carried her through, but the moment was disrupted by an unexpected outburst. Attorney Gray, the female lawyer she had just defeated, clenched her fists and blurted, “This is unfair!”Her microphone was still live, and her voice echoed throughout the venue, silencing the room. “This case was obviously easier for you to argue,” Attorney Gray continued. “You have connections—this is favoritism! Why hasn’t the competition been stopped despite all the online rumors?” The remark caused a ripple of mur
Jamie took a deep breath and said firmly, “The competition is about to start. I’ll rely on my expertise to make it to the end. Even if I don’t succeed, I’ll have no regrets.”With those words, she turned and walked away, her determination unwavering.As the match began, whispers rippled through the crowd, and judgmental stares followed her every move. The rumors surrounding her had painted her in an unfavorable light, and the disdain from the audience was palpable.Jamie, however, paid no mind to the negativity. With legal codes in hand and confidence in her knowledge, she stepped onto the stage and began her defense, her voice calm and commanding as she addressed the mock case.“During the altercation,” Jamie started, “evidence shows that the aggressor retained mobility and the ability to continue the attack. Miss Russell’s actions to neutralize the threat were necessary and should not be classified as excessive self-defense.” Her delivery was poised, her argument well-structure
It was obvious that someone was deliberately stirring the pot, with influencers and media outlets amplifying the negativity. Jamie stared at the barrage of critical comments online, her heart growing heavier with each passing moment.She knew the best course of action was to ignore baseless accusations and focus on the task at hand—her next competition round. With the match scheduled for the next day, she resolved to give it her all. Jamie refused to let the rumors distract her. The next day, she arrived at the competition venue with her confidence intact, ready to tackle the challenges ahead. The preliminary rounds were grueling, with one debate following another, testing her endurance and resolve.Just as she was catching her breath, Attorney Freeman sauntered over, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Well, well, looks like we’ve got someone who used connections to get in. Makes you wonder why the rest of us even bother trying, doesn’t it?”His words immediately drew the atten
After his shower, Ben stepped out wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist. As he searched the house, it didn’t take long for him to guess where Jamie might be. Sure enough, the soft glow of light beneath the study door confirmed it. Pushing the door open, Ben strolled in confidently, his toned body glistening with droplets of water trailing from his hair down to his chest and well-defined abs. He looked like a proud peacock showing off its plumage. Jamie, however, didn’t even glance up. “You should go to bed. I’m still reviewing cases,” she said, her eyes glued to the stack of papers in front of her. “You’ve already gone through these cases several times,” Ben said, standing right in front of her. “It’s still not enough!” Jamie sighed, flipping another page. “What I lack compared to others is practical experience. That’s not something you can make up overnight.” Ben leaned closer, his gaze steady. “There’re still a few days before the next round. Take a break! You’
“Then I'll bring Charlie over more often,” Jamie said with a warm smile. “Thank you, but let’s wait until after your competition is done,” Nina replied graciously. She appreciated Jamie's kindness but was thoughtful enough to acknowledge Jamie’s current commitments. By the time they left, the sun had set. Charlie was bursting with excitement on the ride home, chattering non-stop about everything that had happened that day. “It sounds like you and Orion really hit it off. Should we come back more often?” Jamie asked, her tone lighthearted. “Of course! Orion’s my friend now, and friends should meet often,” Charlie said seriously, his face full of determination. Jamie ruffled his hair affectionately, her heart full of warmth. “I’m glad you’ve found a good friend. I’ll make sure we visit more often.” She hoped Charlie’s companionship would help Orion heal from his loss. When they arrived home, Ben was already waiting at the door. “You’re back late. I’ve been waiting fo