Chapter 1696

Jamie sighed, knowing Ben was trying to comfort her. Though she still felt a little wistful, she quickly let it go.
What she didn’t expect was that the boys’ whispered conversation would continue from the car all the way to the dinner table.
Even while eating, they huddled together, making it clear no one else was welcome to join their secretive chat.
Noticing how little food they had touched, Jamie tapped the table with a hint of exasperation. “Alright, you two. Mealtime is for eating, not whispering. Didn’t your teachers teach you that at school?” Charlie immediately recognized that Jamie wasn’t joking this time. She was genuinely a little upset.
He quickly straightened up, putting on his most obedient expression as he picked up his utensils. “Got it, Mommy. I’ll eat properly now.”
Jamie then turned her gaze to Orion, who, sensing her sternness, also sat upright and promised to focus on his food.
With both boys settled and eating obediently, Jamie felt satisfied and relaxed.
Seeing her mood brighten, Ben smiled and poured her another glass of juice. “That made you this happy?”
Jamie let out a small huff, lowering her voice. “It’s because that little rascal lectured me in the car earlier. I was just getting back at him.”
Ben chuckled softly, shaking his head indulgently. “You’re so childish sometimes. Charlie is just a kid, and you’re still holding grudges against him.”
Jamie ignored his teasing. To her, it wasn’t a big deal-just a playful way to keep things lighthearted. After all, what’s the fun of having kids if you can’t mess with them a little?
Later that evening, Nina came to pick up Orion after dinner. She even took the time to thank Jamie.
“It’s nothing,” Jamie waved it off with a smile, gently patting the sleeping Orion in her arms. “Besides, I really like this kid.”
“Well, who wouldn’t like such a well-behaved child?” Nina grinned glancing at the peaceful living room before spotting Ben walking over. His steady stride made it clear he was looking for Jamie.
Nina immediately caught on and gave Jamie a teasing smile. “Looks like someone thinks I’m keeping you away too long. Alright, I won’t interrupt your couple’s even
I’ll
swnove
leave you two lovebirds to it
Jamie’s face flushed red at Nina’s playful remark. As she turned to respond, she suddenly found herself enveloped in Ben’s warm embrace.
He held her gently, his fingers combing through her hair as he spoke in a low, soothing voice. “You’re done with everything now, right? Time to rest. You’ve had a long day.” His tender movements carried no trace of desire, only care.
Jamie’s tense shoulders relaxed instantly. She hadn’t felt tired before, but his words seemed to trigger a wave of drowsiness. She let out a soft yawn, covering her mouth. Before she could fully process her growing fatigue, Ben scooped her up in his arms.
Startled, Jamie exclaimed, “Ben! What are you doing?”
He chuckled above her head, walking steadily. “Carrying you to bed. You’ve been working hard all day. Think of it as a special reward.”
His warm embrace felt safe and comforting. Knowing she was genuinely exhausted, Jamie stopped resisting and allowed herself to relax in his arms.
She didn’t even remember when she drifted off to sleep.
*
Meanwhile, after Summer’s arrest, things hadn’t been going well for Lila either.
It was difficult for anyone to remain unaffected when a close friend
spent her days consumed by
faced such a terrible situation et
resentment, blaming Jamie and Ben for Summer’s downfall, while also feeling pity for how far Summer had fallen.
Search theFindNovel.netwebsite on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.