Chapter 1681

After confirming the time, Jamie picked up Charlie and headed to Nina’s house.
Recent events had taken a toll on Nina, and she looked visibly tired. When she opened the door, she welcomed Jamie with a smile and handed her a glass of water. “Come in, have a seat.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you during such a critical time,” Jamie said, her voice tinged with guilt as she noticed Nina’s weary expression.
Nina gave a smile, exhaling softly as she sat beside Jamie. “Don’t be. There’s no need for formality between us. It’d feel out of place.” Jamie offered a few comforting words, but Nina quickly shifted her attention to Charlie, who had been quietly observing.
Charlie blinked and said, “I heard Orion hasn’t been feeling well. I brought him a gift to cheer him up.”
Nina smiled warmly and pointed upstairs. “He’s in his room. He’s been spending most of his time up there since… well, you know.”
Jamie understood completely. She gently patted Charlie’s head. “Why don’t you go find him and play for a bit?”
Charlie nodded enthusiastically and ran upstairs, clutching his gift. Jamie watched him go before turning back to Nina.
“So, how are you holding up?” Jamie asked softly.
“It’s been rough,” Nina admitted, rubbing her temples in frustration. “But everything that needs immediate attention has been taken care of. The rest, I’ll deal with when the time comes.” Sensing Nina’s reluctance to dwell on the subject, Jamie didn’t press further. “Let me know i there’s anything I can do to help.”
“You know I will,” Nina replied with a faint smile. Then, as if remembering something, she reached for her phone. “I saw you signed up for that competition!”
Jamie shrugged, smiling sheepishly. “Didn’t think you’d notice.”
Nina’s face lit up with genuine excitement. “You’re finally moving forward-reclaiming your career. That’s incredible!”
“It’s about time, don’t you think?” Jamie said, her voice tinged with emotion.
“It’s never too late,” Nina said with admiration in her eyes. “Honestly, I thought you’d be all about family life after getting married. But look at you now-you’re thriving!”
Jamie laughed lightly. “There’s less
to tie me down now, and I’ve realized
it’s time to look ahead. To be fair, Ben really encouraged me. Without him, I don’t think I would’ve had the courage to take this step.”
Nina smirked teasingly. “You two are inseparable already, huh?”
“Alright, stop teasing me,” Jamie said, shaking her head in mock exasperation.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the children coming down the stairs.
“Where are you two off to?” Nina called out.
Orion greeted Jamie politely before responding, “We’re going to the garden.”
Charlie grinned and held up his gift. “This music box is really cool. It changes in the sunlight. I want to show Orion!”
“The fresh air will do you both good. Go have fun,” Nina said, watching as the two boys headed outside.
Once they were out of earshot, Nina turned back to Jamie, relief evident on her face.. “You have no idea how much you’ve helped. Orion’s been so withdrawn since his grandfather passed, barely leaving his room or talking to anyone. I’ve been so worried.”
She sighed heavily, the weight of recent events evident in her voice.
Jamie offered a reassuring smile. “They’re close in age, and kids naturally bond over play. Give it time-he’ll come around.”
Outside, the boys’ laughter filled the garden as they ran around and played together.
Nina watched them through the window, a smile tugging at her lips. “Orion’s always been so reserved, but with Charlie, it’s like he’s found someone who truly understands him. It’s heartwarming to see”