Jamie was stubborn, fixating on the idea that the current Ben Lucas somehow "belonged" to Winnie.

Ben let out a laugh, more out of exasperation than amusement. "You say I'm hers, but have you ever asked me what I think, Jamie? Or are you pretending not to see or hear anything?" He grabbed her hand and pressed it firmly against his chest.

The steady thumping of his strong heartbeat was unmistakable.

Jamie struggled to pull away. "Let go of me, Ben. I've already told you, we're done."

"And what about Charlie? Are you done with him too?" Ben's words landed precisely where he knew it would hurt.

Jamie froze.

Sensing her hesitation, Ben softened, his tone losing its edge. "Jamie, don't do this. Stop pushing me away."

There had never been anything between him and Winnie, a fact that pained him even more now that she was gone. His regret for her was real, but his heart ached far more for Jamie.

At the end of the day, Ben was only human, with desires and love that he couldn't hide. All he wanted was to hold on to the person he truly loved.

"I'll say it again, Ben, we ended things a long time ago. Thank you for taking care of me, but I'm leaving."

grew sharp, "does staying here with me

hung heavy in

want to leave, at least wait until tomorrow. Where

make a dramatic exit just yet. Leaving

moment of reflection,

however, left

want to see me, I'll make sure you don't," he said before stepping out of the room.

to sleep, her mind consumed with

Ben was restless

they endured the long night in

*

Jamie prepared to visit

Charlie's favorite donuts, imagining the joy on his face when

the hospital ward, she saw a nurse

years old, congenital heart condition. We need to operate

from Jamie's hand, landing with a

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255