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,

pale from blood loss, looked ghostly under the fading

fun," she replied

and murmured, "I'm so tired,

smile. "You'll get

nodded, clutching his toy tightly as he leaned against the car seat, his eyelids growing

Winnie carried Charlie inside and laid him carefully on the bed. Once he was settled and fast asleep, she retrieved a small bottle

her fingers shaking as she debated turning it on to check her messages. But fear held her back. Instead,

the middle of the night, Charlie's restless murmurs jolted Winnie

Don't come near Aunt Winnie or Mommy," he

clenched. She leaned over him and realized he

through her as she placed her hand on his forehead, then compared it to her own. The stark difference in temperature confirmed it. Charlie had a high

should she do? There was no medicine nearby. Cradling Charlie in

is sick," she said breathlessly. "Do you have any

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