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.

Jamie said 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 for their children. I think your father is the same." "Maybe," Ben murmured, wrapping his arms around

*

fainting spell caused by high blood pressure. After a few days of rest, he was almost back to his usual

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

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

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

*

recovering

fragments of the past.

"where's Winnie? Why haven't

calm smile, she would reassure her, "No, just busy right

*

stretched on. Without any clear word from Winnie, Jamie had no choice but

as Jamie was once again trying to comfort Linda,

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