Jamie couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath.

"Stop pretending." Ben's harsh words cut through the air, as cold and unrelenting as ever.

Jamie couldn't straighten up for a long moment. She gritted her teeth, determined to ignore the pain radiating from her wound, spreading like fire through her body. Sweat dripped from her forehead onto the pale hospital bed, leaving tiny dark stains. "I don't need to play games with you," she said finally, her voice frail but resolute. "It wouldn't work, and I don't want to. I just want my child back."

Ben's sharp gaze faltered for a moment before he replied in a cold tone, "Focus on recovering first."

With that, he turned and left the room.

Jamie slumped against the edge of the bed, exhausted and broken.

*

Meanwhile, Winnie drove aimlessly, following random road signs, unaware of where she was heading. The road grew increasingly desolate, with the sun sinking below the horizon and barely a soul in sight.

we, Aunt Winnie?" Charlie asked sleepily, rubbing

daze. Her face, pale from

she

murmured, "I'm so tired, Aunt Winnie. My

a smile. "You'll

as he leaned against the car seat, his eyelids growing heavy

to stay, Winnie carried Charlie inside and laid him carefully on the bed. Once he was settled and fast asleep, she retrieved a small bottle of pills, shaking a few into her hand

to check her messages. But fear held her back. Instead, she leanedet against the edge

night, Charlie's restless murmurs jolted

Aunt Winnie or Mommy," he mumbled, his body twisting

clenched. She leaned over him and realized

her hand on his forehead, then compared it to her

no medicine nearby. Cradling Charlie in her arms, she

she said breathlessly. "Do you have any

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