CEO's Tears Over Pregnancy Test Discovery

Charlie needed to ease into seeing Ben as his father figure. That way, when the truth came out, it would be easier for him to accept. Yet, guilt still weighed heavily on Jamie. "Today, when he asked me, I almost told him. I didn't even think about how to explain later why his dad didn't acknowledge him," she said, her voice tinged with remorse. Ben gently pulled her into his arms, letting her rest against him for comfort. "If anyone should feel guilty, it's me, not you."

Sure enough, Charlie grew even closer to Ben. What started as admiration for someone kind to him and his mom had shifted into complete trust and reliance, like a child with his father.

Jamie noticed the changes, too. Her relationship with Ben, often nudged by Charlie, became increasingly intimate. She felt a mix of unease and warmth but couldn't find the words to address it. Before she could make sense of her emotions, something happened. Her mom, Linda, was rushed to the hospital.

"How is she? Last night, she woke me up screaming my dad's name. I don't know what happened," Jamie said, her eyes wide with panic and her voice trembling.

Wilfred glanced at her hands clutching his sleeve. "You might want to loosen your grip."

She realized and quickly let go, murmuring an apology, but her anxiety was palpable.

"I really..." she began.

"The patient's condition is stable for now," Wilfred reassured her. "The episode you described sounds like she was triggered by something."

Jamie was baffled. "But none of us would've done anything to upset her."

Given Linda's fragile state, everyone had been extra careful, except for Charlie. But he was just a kid. How could he possibly have triggered anything? Seeing her frustration, Wilfred added, "Let's not dwell on the trigger for now. What we do know is that the episode is tied to memories of your father."novelbin

Hearing this, Jamie's heart ached.

Her father had passed away years ago, and the pain still lingered. They had searched for Linda for so many years. If only her father had lived to see her return...

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"You should spend time with her. Her mental state is fragile, and having family close is what she needs most right now," Wilfred suggested.

Jamie nodded, steeling herself, and

walked into the room. Linda was

curled in a corner of the bed. At the sound of Jamie's footsteps, she timidly raised her head. But when she recognized her daughter she smiled brightly and stood up.

"Mom, I'm so sorry..." Jamie whispered, holding Linda's wrinkled hands, feeling a pang in her chest.

Linda's hands had always been

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rough from years of hard work, but now they were worn, with dark spots marking the passage of time. These marks told the story of years spent scavenging, and it broke Jamie's heart.

"Jamie, you came to see me! Are you hungry? I'll make you something to eat," Linda said, moving around the room as though she would find a kitchen hidden somewhere. Jamie gently stopped her. "Mom, I'm not hungry. Please, just sit and rest. That's the best thing you can do for me."

Linda hesitated but finally sat down, her movements slow and hesitant. Jamie coaxed her back into bed, tucking her in before sitting by her side for hours.

When Jamie finally left the hospital, her thoughts were heavy with Linda's vacant stares and wandering words. Just as she returned home, Ben called.

"It's almost lunchtime. I just finished work. Let's eat together," he said, his tone casual but firm.

Jamie's heart still ached, and she had no appetite. "I'll pass. You go ahead without me."

"This isn't a discussion," Ben replied decisively, cutting off any room for argument.

A short while later, Jamie found herself seated at a window-side table.