Chapter 1665

Ben looked at Jamie and asked, “Are you sure you can manage this on your own? Mom’s condition makes it hard to care for her without help. Turning her over in bed alone won’t be easy without a nurse.” Jamie’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Did you forget what I used to do? I’ve handled far worse jobs to pay for Charlie’s medical bills. Compared to that, this is nothing.”
Her words tugged painfully at Ben’s heart. Jamie had carried the entire family’s burden on her own in the past, and the thought of her enduring so much made him ache.
“I’m sorry… for everything before. You’ve been through so much,” he said in a low, hoarse voice.
Jamie waved it off with a light laugh. “This isn’t some grand apology ceremony. Besides, haven’t we agreed to leave the past where it belongs?”
Just as she finished speaking, her phone rang. It was Nina.
“Come over with Charlie,” Nina said over the phone. “Gemma keeps asking about her little brother.”
Nina genuinely considered Jamie a friend, and besides, Ben had quietly asked her to help Jamie ease into the social circles of the upper class. Jamie glanced at Mrs. Lucas, who was resting in bed, and declined. “I’m a bit tied up for the next few days. Once I’m free, I’ll come find you.” “Alright, I won’t bother you then,” Nina said before hanging up.
At the same time, Nash, who had been quietly reading, glanced up. “No luck making plans? Want to reach out to someone else?”
Nina shook her head. Yvonne wasn’t in Birkham, Nelly and Penelope were busy with their careers, and Scarlett and James were stationed on base. No one had the time to join her for a tea break. And with Ben’s request for her to help Jamie adjust, Nina had really hoped Jamie would be free, but she wasn’t.
“You look disappointed,” Nash teased. “How about I take you on a trip somewhere?”
Nina sighed, shaking her head. “You’ve been saying that, but with everything going on, when would we ever have the time? Dad’s still in
treatment, and the baby’s so young.”
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“Then how about I invite a few friends over, or even host a gathering?” Nash offered.
“Let’s not,” Nina replied, smiling faintly. “Your friends are always busy, and as for hosting a party… those events only bring in people looking to flatter us.”
“Well, then I’ll stay home and look after the baby while you—”
“Madam, Sir, Miss Scarlett is here,” a helper announced, cutting him off mid-sentence.
Nina’s face lit up with excitement. “Really?”
Before she could say more, a familiar voice rang out, followed by brisk footsteps. “Your helper already announced me. What, you think I’d send in an imposter?” Nina turned, and there she was-Scarlett, with her signature short hair, a red T-shirt, and denim jeans. She looked as energetic and sharp as ever.
Though she was just as slim as before, Scarlett had a noticeably darker complexion.
“Where’s James? Why are you alone?” Nina asked, curious.
Scarlett chuckled. “He’s still on base. I’m on leave, and I’ve got some news! I’m pregnant and came to get some advice from you.” “That’s wonderful!” Nina exclaimed, delighted.
Scarlett and James’s wedding had
been simple and low-key, given their military service, and Nina hadn’t had many opportunities to give them a proper gift. Now, with Scarlett visiting and bringing such great news, Nina was ecstatic.
She quickly turned to her helper. “Go prepare some food! Something hearty, maybe a stew. Make sure it’s packed with nutrients.”
Scarlett couldn’t help but laugh.
“You’re acting like I’m malnourished.
Let me remind you that military
meals aren’t what they used to be, especially for a team leader like me.”