bChapter /bb365 /b

    At Jessica’s words, Brian froze. He just stared quietly at Jessica, his usually sharp, cold eyes filled with gloom.

    Jessica had to adimit, her heart softened.

    She turned her head away awkwardly. “What are you looking at me for?”

    “Nothing. Just wanted to look at you,” Brian said softly, pulling his gaze away.

    Jessica opened her mouth to say something but found there was nothing to say.

    They stayed stuck in that awkward standoff.

    Luckily, it wasn’t long before Pancake was brought out.

    Brian was the first to step forward and take the dog. “Jessi, let’s take Pancake home.”

    As he spoke, he nced at Wesley, who was sitting nearby with his cat, watching the scene like it was a show.

    Brian thought, ‘How could this guy be so rxed? Is he really not afraid Jessi will dump him? Or does he have some absolute confidence that Jessi will

    choose him? Ridiculous.‘

    Brian’s thoughts wandered and his urge to get Jessica away grew stronger.

    Jessica didn’t say anything. She just nced hesitantly at Wesley. It was almost dinner time.

    “Jessi, you two take your time,” Wesley said quickly. Seeing her start to overthink, he made the choice for her. “It’s getting dark. I’ll head back with Tres first.”

    ‘If I let her keep overthinking like this, it will only make her condition worse, Wesley thought.

    “Okay. I’m really sorry about today. I’ll bring you a gift to make up for it sometime,” Jessica said, relieved, her tone apologetic.

    Wesley waved a hand. “It’s fine. Just little things. No need to worry about it.”

    1

    He nodded at Brian, then picked up his cat, and left quickly.

    His clinic was just a block away from there, a few minutes‘ walk. No need to bother anyone for a ride.

    Jessica watched his easy, unhurried back, thinking she’d make sure to apologize properly next time they met.

    But then, the source of all this trouble spoke up behind her, his voice faint. “He’s already gone. Stop staring.”

    “Shut up,” Jessica snapped, taking Pancake from him and walking off.

    Brian hurried after her, grabbing the dog food, toys, and other things they’d picked out. “Jessi, wait up.”

    Days turned into nights, and suddenly it was the weekend.

    Jessica kept her word. She grabbed her gifts and headed to Wesley’s clinic.

    “Whoa, going all out today?” Wesley was surprised when he saw the pile of things in her hands. Then he couldn’t help ncing over her shoulder.

    “Don’t worry, he wouldn’t dare follow me,” Jessica said, amused, knowing what he was checking for.

    i“/iGood. I’d rather not get red at again,” Wesley sighed in relief, half joking and half–serious,

    Jessica’s expression shifted slightly. “I’m sorry, Dr. Finch. My mess has caused you trouble”

    “It’s fine. You’re not the first. In this line of work, stuff like this isn’t unusual,” he said.

    He’d been mistaken for a cheating partner by patients‘ husbands more than once before.

    “Still, it’s better if it happens less,” Jessica said quietly.

    Noticing her mood was off, Wesley quickly reassured her. “Don’t overthink it. I really don’t care. Honestly, it’s kind of funny watching him get jealous. After all, not just anyone can get the great Mr. Atkinson so worked up,” he chuckled.

    Jessica smiled too, but after that, she grew serious again. “I get what you’re saying, but the trouble is real. Dr. Finch, if this is affecting your life, I can cancel my sessions anytime. Or you could refer me to another doctor. I’d go.”

    Brian’s misunderstanding was obvious. Unless she told him the real reason she was seeing Wesley, the misunderstanding would probably never clear up.

    But that was the one thing she’d never do.

    So those were her options—stop the sessions or switch doctors.

    Jessica knew it wasn’t fair to Wesley, but she didn’t see another way.

    To her surprise, Wesley just smiled rxedly, “Don’t say that. I’d hate to lose a top client like you.”

    Jessica sighed, “Dr. Finch, I’m serious. Please don’t tease me.”

    “I am serious too, Ms. Grant. I really don’t mind. Let’s keep things as they were. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself,” Wesley urged gently.

    Jessica looked down, saying nothing. It was hard to tell how much she’d taken in, but at least, she didn’t stoping to see him for sessions after that.

    Though Brian always showed up ito /ipick her up when the sessions ended, things stayed more or less the same.

    After so many times, both Jessica and Wesley had learned to ignore Brian. No matter what he said, they acted like they didn’t hear him.

    1

    It was another Friday. After her session with Wesley, Jessica noticed it was gettingte and offered to buy him dinner.

    Wesley didn’t turn her down.

    Over the meal, they chatted about the funny things that had happened to themtely, and the mood was warm and easy.

    When they finished, Wesley handed Jessica an invitation.

    “What’s this?” Jessica raised an eyebrow, looking at the gold–embossed card in front of her.

    “Finch Group’s anniversary g is on Sunday. Ms. Grant, would you do me the honor ofing?” Wesley smiled.

    “Sure.” Jessica was happy ito /igive him that, iso /ishe took the invitation.

    Wesley let out a breath of relief. “Then, it’s a date. See you Sunday.”

    Jessica nodded, watched him leave, and headed to her car with the invitation.

    But as soon as she got in, a familiar Cullinan pulled up slowly.

    “Jessi, what a coincidence. My car’s out of gas. Can you give me a ride?” Brian said.

    Jackson in the driver’s seat rolled his eyes at Brian’s excuse.

    Jackson thought, ‘Mr. Atkinson, don’t you think that’s a little ridiculous? Mrs. Atkinson will never…

    “Okay.” Jessica replied tly.

    Brian was unable to hide his smile.

    Jackson stared in disbelief as Brian got into Jessica’s car.

    Jackson thought, ‘The world’s getting a little weird. Mrs. Atkinson actually believed the random lie Mr. Atkinson had just made iup/i?”

    “Have you eaten? If not, I know a really nice fancy restaurant nearby. Can we go there together?” Brian couldn’t hide his joy as soon as he got into bthe /bpassenger seat, inviting her.

    Jessica kept a straight face as she turned the steering wheel.

    really not know if I’ve eaten?”

    She’d noticed Brian following her since she left Grant Group. She just couldn’t be bothered to expose

    Brian’s eyes darkened at her words.

    him.

    “Don’t let this happen again,” Jessica said seriously. If it weren’t for warning Brian, she would never have let him get in her carb. /b

    “I know,” Brian mumbled. He didn’t bring up dinner again. Instead, his eyes fell on the invitation she’d set down casually.

    “He gave you that? Jessi, can you not ibe /ihis date? It’ll be tiring for you to wear a dress and high heels right now,” Brian said.

    He picked up the invitation, scanned it quickly, and put it back the second Jessica looked over.

    “When did I say I was going to be his date?” she said.

    (

    biAD /i/b