CEO's Tears Over Pregnancy Test Discovery

The crowd's response to Ben's defense of Jamie was unexpected, with admiration replacing gossip.

"That's real courage-standing up for her in front of so many people. What a man!"

"This is what a good man looks like."

""Now that's true love."

"Miss, forced love never sweetens. Let it go. The only person getting hurt is you."

Each word hit Summer like a dagger, sharp and cutting. The situation felt laughable, painfully ironic.

After firmly standing by Jamie, Ben addressed the onlookers one last time.

"Even if Jamie were at fault, which she isn't, it's not your place to judge."

He then turned to Jamie, placing a protective arm around her. "Let's go."

The two left, but Ben's purpose in bringing Jamie to the boutique wasn't forgotten. He was here for a reason, and that reason was to find the perfect wedding gown for her.

Jamie, however, couldn't shake the feeling that incidents like these would only multiply in the future. Ben's public status alone guaranteed that.

Back in the boutique, Jamie hesitated to continue trying on gowns. "Maybe I should just take this off..."

Ben handed her the cup of bubble tea he had bought earlier, his expression soft but unwavering. "Drink this first, then try a few more. We're not done yet."novelbin

"But..."

"No buts, Jamie. I know you want to be with me, but you're hesitating. That's normal. If I were in your shoes, I'd probably struggle even more. But life is too short to waste time. Do we really want to wait until we're old and lying on our deathbeds to realize we should've been together all along?"

He leaned in slightly, his gaze gentle but serious. "Think about Charlie. My mom's no longer against us. All I'm asking for is a chance to make things right, to make you happy. And... maybe we could have another child?" Ben's voice softened.

Nash had recently reunited with Nina after years apart, their first child already grown. Yet Nina had given him a second chance, even bringing a daughter into their lives.

Now, Nash was the picture of a devoted father, completely smitten with his little girl. His social media was a constant stream of her

milestones, every post radiating pride and warmth. It was the kind of joy Ben couldn't help but envy.

Jamie couldn't deny that she had dreamed of being with Ben again. But some obstacles felt insurmountable, no matter how much she wanted them to disappear.

Since she had already come out with

Ben today, Jamie decided to treat it

as a way to fulfill a dream she thought she would never experience. It was a fleeting glimpse of what might have been.

Together, they tried on wedding attire. Ben had chosen a suit to perfectly complement her gown, their outfits designed to match seamlessly.

Standing before the mirror, their reflection was mesmerizing. A striking couple-graceful and harmonious.

Jamie couldn't help but steal a glance at Ben. In her eyes, he looked effortlessly dashing, exuding the kind of charm that made her heart skip a beat.

Unbeknownst to them, Winnie stood quietly at a distance, watching the scene unfold. For the first time, she felt an unexpected calm. It dawned on her that seeing the people she loved happy could also bring her peace.

She realized Jamie was still holding back, still carrying weight from the past. Winnie decided she needed to meet her sister, to finally lay everything out in the open.

*

The video of Ben's public defense of Jamie soon made its way onto social media, quickly trending.

In a group chat among friends, playful jabs flew.

Caleb: "A knight in shining armor for his lady-looks like we've all got a romantic in the group!"

Hunter: "They might be love-drunk, but keep me out of it. Don't drag me into your sappy mess."

Nash: "(smiling.jpg) Funny how Ben used to tease me about the same thing. Look at him now. You two better be careful. Fate has a way of making you eat your words." Caleb: "My money's on Hunter next. Remember when Quincy only cared about work? One Lydia, and he was completely hooked!"