Ben suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Mrs. Lucas quietly closed the door behind her and turned to face him. Seeing the turmoil in his expression, she let out a soft sigh. "Don't hold a grudge against your father anymore. He may have a sharp tongue, but that's just his way. All those years you insisted on becoming a lawyer, he may have scolded you, but deep down, he was proud of you."

Ben said nothing.

To grow up believing that his father didn't care for him, only to discover one day that his father's feelings were more complicated and layered. It wasn't something anyone could accept easily.

Without a word, Ben left the estate, skipping dinner. Jamie didn't push him for an explanation, and when Charlie started asking questions, she gently hushed him.

It wasn't until they were back home, lying together in bed, that she finally voiced the question that had been on her mind since they left the estate. "Are you upset?"

Ben was silent for a long time before finally speaking. "I'm not sure if I'm upset. I'm not sure if I'm happy either."

"I understand," Jamie said, tightening her embrace around him.

She did understand. When she learned that Winnie was still alive, she had felt the same. It was a mix of joy and pain. Joy that her sister was alive, but pain that Winnie hadn't sought her out.

softly, "you're loved by your parents. Maybe they don't always say what they mean, but as the saying goes, parents always think long-term

*

caused by high blood pressure. After a few days of rest, he was almost

brought Charlie to visit, Mr. Lucas was in high spirits, even joking around with his grandson. The house

with his father began to thaw. Where they once sat in strained silence, now they managed to exchange a few words. It wasn't

reconcile brought Jamie a deep sense of relief. Yet, seeing the mended bonds also

*

now recovering well,

even began recalling fragments of

ask, "where's Winnie? Why haven't I seen your

in her chest. Forcing a calm smile, she would reassure

*

"few days" stretched on. Without any clear word from Winnie, Jamie had no choice but to keep making excuses, soothing

was once again trying to comfort Linda, the doorbell

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