bChapter /bb497 /b

    After briefing the PR manager, Brian ignored the online storm. Whether the announcement improved his reputation mattered little. Only Jessica’s peace did.

    Atkinson Group employees monitoring thements grew frustrated. While manyizens revised their views, skepticism persisted. [Resigning doesn’t prove he’s sincere. Could be he’s just trying to clean up his image.]

    [Exactly. Sounds like ssic celebrity ybook after scandals.]

    [You actually bought this obvious PR move.]

    [But so many coworkers testified. It can’t all be fake.]

    [Why not? They’re current or former Atkinson Group employees. Brian left, but Gavin is there now. If Gavin gave an order,

    who would dare refuse?]

    [I’il believe it when I see long–term actions.]

    [Same here.]

    [Let’s just watch and see how this ys out.]

    [What if Brian keeps it up forever?]

    If he fakes it forever, I’ll call it love.]

    [Same here.]

    [Same here.]

    The PR manager sighed at the endless “same here” chain. He thought, ‘I’ve done all I can, Mr. Atkinson. The rest is on you.‘

    Meanwhile, Brian hovered near Jessica, eyeing her belly.

    “What are you leaning in for?” Jessica didn’t nce up from her book,

    Brian looked at her belly with pleading eyes. “The instructor said babies kick by now. Can I listen?”

    His pleading tone made refusal feel cruel. Jessica studied him for a moment before leaning back against the couch.

    “Jessi?” Brian blinked, confused.

    “Weren’t you listening for kicks?” She gave him a t look.

    Brian immediately bent down, pressing his ear to her belly.

    Jessica stiffened briefly but soon rxed.

    16:08 Sat, 30 Aug

    The moment faint heartbeats reached his ears, Brian’s eyes welled up. “Jessi, I hear them. Our babies–”

    A sudden jolt against his cheek cut him off. Jessica gasped.

    ?.6%?

    “What’s wrong?” Brian jerked upright, only to freeze when another tiny kicknded squarely on his face. “They… They just…”

    “They said hello to you, or just kicked you,” Jessica chuckled as the twins wriggled again.

    “They know I’m their dad, don’t they?” Brian’s voice trembled.

    Jessica rolled her eyes. “They’re just stretching. You happened to be in the way.” These days, their acrobatics were

    routine.

    “No, they’re defending you,” Brian insisted. “Punishing me for hurting you.”

    Jessica shoved him lightly. “Move. I need to teach them some manners. They keep kicking me.” The movements weren’t painful, but relentless.

    Realizing her difort, Brian bent again, whispering to her belly, “Be good for Mommy. I’ll y with you all day once you’re out.” Right after he finished speaking, another kick struck his cheek.

    Seeing him hold his cheek with a pitiful expression, Jessica burst outughing.

    Brian grinned. If his embarrassment brought her joy, it was worth it.

    “Alright. It’s time for prenatal ss,” Jessica said.

    Brian perked up. “Let me handle it.”

    “Handle what?” She blinked.

    “The ss. I know the routine. Just let me try.” Brian’s hopeful gaze pinned her.

    After a pause, Jessica shrugged. “Alright.”

    That agreement alone thrilled Brian. Pulling up a tutorial on his phone, he softened his voice and began the session.

    Two ssester, Jessica was drowsy with boredom while Brian remained energized, seemingly ready for two more.

    “That’s enough for today, I’m tired,” she said tly.

    “Got it. I’ll run your bath.” Brian hurried to the bathroom.

    By the time Jessica arrived, everything was prepared.

    “I’ll be right outside if you need anything.” Knowing she wouldn’t want him to stay, Brian lingered by the door.

    Jessica found his hovering suffocating and shooed him away. She was perfectly capable. Brian’s overconcerns grated on

    her.

    As shey in bed, drowsily pondering how to curb Brian’s habits, sleep imed her. For once, no nightmares disturbed

    16:08 Sat, 30 Aug@@

    her. If not for waking up thirsty in the middle of the night, she might have slept straight through until morning.

    ?6%.

    Padding to the kitchen in slippers, she filled her ss halfway. The sound of the pouring water was soft. When she turned around, she found Brian behind her. Startled, she stepped back but caught herself soon. “Did I,wake you?”

    “No, I was already up. You should’ve called me to get water.” Brian steadied her with a hand on her back, frowning slightly.

    Jessica found this absurd. “It’s such a small thing. I can handle it myself. Why bother you?”

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