"I'm not trying to run. I was just going to close the door," Jamie quickly explained, panic in her voice.

There was no way she could leave now. Ben was already venting his anger on Winnie because of her, and if she walked away, she would be leaving her sister even more vulnerable. "Did I say you could close the door?" Ben's tone was anything but satisfied.

His fingers reached for her collar, and with one sharp tug, he tore it apart. "And I didn't say you could walk. Remember our old dog? It always crawled around on all fours."

He paused, then let out a mocking chuckle. "But maybe you've forgotten all about that. Should I replace a video to refresh your memory?"

"I haven't forgotten." Jamie shook her head, her voice barely a whisper.

That dog held so many happy memories for the two of them. She had planned to take it with her the day his mother showed up, forcing her to leave. But she had been stopped.

His mother's words were burned into her memory. "That money may seem like a fortune to you, something you'll never earn in a lifetime, but it's nothing to the Lucas family. You don't belong in our world, but a dog can stay. Are you sure you want to take it along and drag it down with you?"*

Jamie would never forget that moment. She had realized then how wide the gap was between them and reluctantly gave up the dog. Looking back, it had been the right choice.

For the past few years, she had been juggling work and caring for her son alone, barely keeping her head above water. She wouldn't have had the energy to care for a dog.

"How's Donut doing now?" she asked, her eyes red.

Donut, their fluffy white dog, had been her joy.

Ben's words cut deep. "After you left, I sold it to a butcher."

"That's not true," Jamie replied, refusing to believe him. He had loved Donut as much as she had, and he didn't need the money. He might be angry, but he wouldn't go that far.

"No, I don't need the money," he replied coldly. "But it had a heartless owner, one who left without looking back. You abandoned me, and you abandoned it. So, tell me, what right do you have to ask about it now?" His grip tightened.

A mix of shame and pain swept over Jamie, leaving her struggling to hold back any sound. She bit down hard, fighting to keep silent. But the more she resisted, the more Ben seemed determined to break her.

Finally, a faint sound escaped her lips.

Ben merely let out a quiet chuckle, saying nothing.

Jamie's face burned with

humiliation, and she wished she could sink into the floor. She didn't know how long Ben kept at it, relentless until the sky began to lighten. Only then did he finally let her go.

He closed the door and returned to her side, reaching out to lift her.

"What more do you want?" Jamie looked at him, her face filled with dread.

She was beyond exhausted. Her back felt like it might break from the strain. How did he still have so much energy?

Her question was like a cold slap in his face, and his expression darkened further.

He had only intended to carry her to the bathroom to clean up. She was barely able to move, and she had complained about her back aching multiple times. But now, he felt foolish for caring. She didn't need his concern.

Without a word, he turned away, slamming the door behind him as he left.

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