Chapter 1663
Leaving was the best choice for Winnie.
"But that's all in the past. You can't stay away forever. Winnie, you're my only sister," Jamie said, her throat tight, her voice heavy with emotion.
Ben, overhearing her conversation, gently patted her shoulder, giving her an encouraging look.
Jamie hesitated but quickly made up her mind. "Winnie, wait for me. I'm coming to see you now. If you're really going to leave, you at least owe me a proper goodbye in person." Without waiting for a reply, Jamie dashed out of the hospital room, leaving Ben, Mrs. Lucas, and Charlie behind.
Charlie wanted to go with her. He adored his aunt, and she had always been so kind to him. But he held himself back, knowing now wasn't the time to cause trouble.
*
Winnie wanted to take their mother away, and Jamie was sure that Winnie was with Linda now.
Jamie hurried to where Winnie was, her heart racing. When she arrived, she spotted her sister immediately.
Winnie smiled. It was a bittersweet expression that tugged at Jamie's heart. Though Winnie looked different now, for a fleeting moment, her smile brought back memories of the sister Jamie once knew.
Winnie smiled. Though she looked different now, in that brief moment when she smiled, Jamie felt a fleeting glimpse of the sister she once knew.
"I didn't even plan for you to come. Why did you? Don't you think it's a hassle? You've got work, and Charlie to take care of," Winnie said lightly.
"I told you last time, I'm over it. Do you really think I'd still hold onto those things?" she added.
Winnie's expression was calm, but
Jamie's heart ached. "I know you've moved on, and you say you don't care about those things. But you're my sister! If you're leaving, how could, as your older sister, not
come?
"I don't want you to leave. I want you to stay. Right now..." Jamie paused, her voice trembling.
Winnie's appearance had changed so much that it would be hard for anyone to recognize her. She now had a job, Charlie was doing well, and Jamie felt they could make it work.
With Winnie nearby, Jamie could help her financially and support her in other ways. But if Winnie left, Jamie would constantly worry about her safety, about whether she was struggling or being mistreated. Winnie pulled Jamie into a hug. "You've been to college, Jamie. How can you still have such outdated thinking? I'm in my twenties and perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Why would you think I'd suffer? "And in this day and age, as long as you're willing to work hard, you won't starve."
Jamie knew that logically, Winnie was right. But the issue wasn't logic, it was trust. How could she trust that her sister would be safe, especially if she left with their mother?
"No," Jamie said firmly. "You leaving
alone is bad enough, but taking Mom with you? I haven't even had the chance to ask her everything need to, and you haven't told me the full truth either. I can't let you leave. Winnie, stay."
Jamie's determination was clear, and Winnie understood her sister's feelings. But Winnie had already made up her mind. Staying would only prolong the pain and torment for both of them.
Winnie patted Jamie's shoulder
gently. "I'd love to stay, truly. But it's
not that simple. Even if no one recognizes me, I'm still Winnie, and that will never change. Eventually, someone will figure it out. I can't let that affect you."
Her voice softened as she continued. "You and Ben worked so hard to be together. Do you want to risk losing that because of me?"
Jamie's breath caught in her throat. She didn't want to lose Ben, of course. But how could she let her sister leave her home, possibly to a difficult and lonely life?
"Winnie, you..." Jamie's words stuck in her throat, leaving her struggling to respond.