Chapter 1661

Jamie knew that ever since Mrs. Lucas had promised to stop interfering in her and Ben’s relationship, something about her had profoundly changed.
“I know, I’ve noticed. These past few weeks, you’ve been the one taking care of Charlie,” Jamie said, her eyes reddening with emotion.
Mrs. Lucas choked up. “He’s my grandson. I didn’t do anything for him before, but now it’s my responsibility.”
Her voice trembled. “And honestly, this is the only way I can ease my conscience, even a little.”
Letting go of her control, choosing not to obstruct their lives, and doing what little she could now-it was like a knife cutting into her heart every day, leaving her overwhelmed with regret.
She hadn’t even thought about it earlier when she stepped in front of the blade. All she could think was that Jamie couldn’t die. Jamie needed to live, to build a happy life with Ben. That was the only way forward. “All of that is in the past,” Jamie said, her voice breaking with emotion. “What matters now is the future. Ben and I are taking you to the hospital right away. Please don’t say anything more. You’re going to be fine.”
Her words were raw, but they carried strength. Despite everything Mrs. Lucas had done to interfere in the past, Jamie understood that she was acting out of love for Ben, the kind of love any mother would have. If Jamie had been in her place, perhaps she would have acted the same.
It was this realization that allowed Jamie to open up when she later got to know Nina, who was also a mother. Over time, they found common ground and became close friends.
*
Jamie and Ben rushed Mrs. Lucas to the hospital without delay. The police later determined that the attacker was a deranged individual taking out his frustrations on society.
Thanks to Ben’s legal expertise and connections, the man was promptly sentenced and would spend the rest of his life behind bars.
At the hospital, Caleb personally oversaw Mrs. Lucas’s treatment. Thanks to their quick response, her injuries weren’t life-threatening. However, recovery from such a deep wound would take time, and she would need to rest for several months.
Ben wanted to hire a caregiver to care for her, but Jamie stopped him. “I’ll take care of Mom myself.”
Jamie felt it was the least she could do. Mrs. Lucas had taken the blow meant for her. If not for her, Jamie would have been the one injured. Beyond that, she could see the guilt Mrs, Lucas carried. Now that things were better between them, Jamie felt it was her responsibility to honor that bond.
She wanted to look forward, not back, and believed they could build a bright future as a family.
Ben understood Jamie’s determination and didn’t argue. Instead, he insisted on helping her.
When Mrs. Lucas saw her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson by her bedside, she couldn’t hold back her tears. They streamed down her face as she spoke, her voice trembling. “I’m so sorry. I’ve been such a terrible person. If it weren’t for me, you two would’ve been married long ago. Ben, you’d probably be further along in your
career. You might even have had a
second or third child by now.”
She recalled her days spent caring for Charlie, taking him to the park. She often saw other grandparents playing with their grandchildren. They would chat proudly about their families-this one had two kids, that one had three.
She thought of Nash, who now had a daughter in addition to his son. He seemed to have it all-a loving wife, children, and a happy, harmonious family.
She had started to dream of the same. She had wanted Jamie and Ben to have more time to be together, to go on dates, to build their life. That was why she took care of Charlie so diligently.
But as much as she cared for her grandson, regret weighed heavier with each passing day. If only she had been more open-minded earlier, if only she had accepted their love sooner, Jamie and Ben could have been happier long ago. They could have had many children, filling the house with laughter and joy.
oner
“Those things are in the past now, Mom,” Ben said, his tone firm but gentle. “Let’s not bring them up anymore. What matters is moving forward.”
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