Jamie's expression shifted almost imperceptibly as she asked, "Charlie, do you like that Uncle Ben a lot?"

"I do! He brings me lots of stuff, and I like that grandma too."

"I see."

Jamie looked at Charlie who was oblivious to the truth that the "Uncle Ben" he adored was actually the father he had always longed for. Her chest tightened with an uncomfortable heaviness.

For a moment, doubt crept in. Had she made the right choice back then, hiding the truth and keeping Ben and the Lucas family in the dark?

Maybe if she hadn't, Charlie wouldn't have grown up without a father in his life.

Charlie suddenly stopped, his face lighting up with joy as he spotted someone. Letting go of her hand, he ran ahead.

"Uncle Ben!" he shouted, launching himself into Ben's arms.

Ben crouched down to scoop him up. The usually reserved man, known for his detached demeanor, softened visibly in Charlie's presence, even smiling.

visited in a couple of days.

taking me out to play today. Uncle Ben,

snapped out of her daze. She reached over and pinched Charlie's chubby cheek, her tone playful. "You little rascal, you forget

softened as

the exchange quietly for a moment before turning

the car. Since he insisted on

with them in the back, with Charlie in the

offered Jamie some relief. She had grown even more

used to be a simple preference for independence had evolved into a firm resolve to sever any ties with him. In her mind, Ben belonged to her late sister now, and she refused to

her distant demeanor, his gaze darkening. Even as

pulled up to the

stood at the entrance, waiting for them. With the park rented out entirely, there was no need for

staff handed Charlie a cotton

It's so big!" Charlie

the oversized treat and had to admit

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