This engagement party was nothing more than a trap. It was a twisted game Ben was playing for revenge against her. He had known about Winnie's connection to her all along and had orchestrated each move to pull her into his plan. She had no choice.

Jamie was certain of one thing. Ben did not love Winnie.

"Perfect. Tonight, I want to see you at my feet, playing the obedient little dog I need. Don't disappoint me," he sneered, leaning in close, his breath hot against her ear, yet filled with chilling cruelty.

"Don't tell her. I'll do whatever you want," Jamie said, defeated.

Jamie steadied herself and, with shaky steps, forced herself to leave the room. After a moment, she joined Winnie outside.

Winnie rushed over to her. "Jack couldn't get here right away, so I had someone pick up some medicine from the pharmacy. And, Jamie," Winnie continued with a determined look, "later, I'm taking those jewelry pieces to get some cash for Charlie's hospital bills." Each word pierced Jamie's heart like a blade. Winnie was so caring, thinking of Charlie, but all of this was happening because Ben got himself into this relationship as part of a trap he had set.

Jamie tried to dissuade her. "Don't do that. Those pieces are gifts from your fiancé. What would you say if he asked about them?"

Winnie squeezed her hand. "Once they're given to me, they're mine to decide on. And Jack said we'll get married three months after the engagement, so it's fine.

"Jamie, these pieces of jewelry aren't that expensive. Once Jack and I get our paychecks, we can pool some money together and see if we can get Charlie's surgery scheduled a little sooner." Winnie's voice was filled with hope.

But Jamie heard something that concerned her. "Is he, like you, an ordinary worker?"

"I'm a secretary, and he's a lawyer. He does have a house and car in his name. It's a lot to ask for money directly, But I can sell the jewelry- since it's mine now. After we're married, I'll see if he'd be willing to lend me some money or take out a

M

loan."

Ben was lying. He wasn't just any lawyer. He was one of the most prominent attorneys in Birkham, a rising star. Jamie couldn't bring herself to reveal the truth to Winnie.

Winnie seemed to have it all mapped out. But!

Jamie took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Don't borrow from him. That'll just raise suspicion. I'll handle Charlie's bills myself. Actually... would it be okay if I moved in with you? My landlord wants his place back." Winnie's face brightened. "Of course! We've got plenty of room for you. I'd actually hoped you'd live with me all along. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you that I'm pregnant!"

And Ben's warning still echoed clearly in her mind.

The words hit Jamie like a blow, leaving her stunned with a creeping sense of dread. Winnie was pregnant!

"Jamie, I know you've worried about me repeating your mistakes, but Jack's been so good to me," Winnie said, her hand instinctively going to her stomach. "When he found out, he proposed on the spot. We're getting married in three months, and I've even picked out a nap for the baby, Una Green."

As Winnie gently touched her belly, Jamie felt a swirl of emotions she couldn't begin to explain. Winnie was pregnant with Ben's child, yet Ben wanted Jamie to live with them, fully aware of his real intentions. What would he do once she was there?

Just then, Winnie's soft voice broke through Jamie's thoughts. "Jack, where have you been? I've been looking all over for you..."

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