“Go ahead.” Jessica nodded, watching Brian join the queue before pulling out her phone to tackle work emails. Even on leave, she couldn’t fully disconnect.

    Lost in her tasks, she barely noticed time passing until the aroma of spicy grilled meat snapped her back.

    “Hungry? Want to try some barbecue first?” Brian stood before her, offering a box of grilled meat.

    Jessica nced at the still–long line. “Weren’t you queuing?”

    “It was taking too long. I didn’t want you to get impatient, so I paid someone to hold our spot. I ordered this from the shop next door. Try it?” He nudged the box closer.

    Jessica was about to refuse, but her stomach betrayed her with a growl. She flushed slightly.

    Brian suppressed a smile, not wanting to embarrass her, and simply extended the box again.

    This time, Jessica relented, then impulsively added, “I’m still working. Feed me.“.

    Brian froze.

    Jessica instantly regretted the request. “Never mind. Just set it-” Just then, a grilled shrimp touched her lips. The aroma overpowered hesitation. She bit down instinctively.

    “don’t mind,” Brian said softly, watching her chew. He had been too happy to respond at first. She had allowed him to

    feed her.

    His earnest expression flushed her cheeks. Jessica looked away. “Oh.”

    Noticing her blush, Brian smiled. His eyes softened with amusement. He speared a beef cube. “Want more?”

    “Mm.” Jessica met his gaze, resolve steadying. She thought, ‘This was the deal. I moved back, and he chose to care. No need to overthink it.‘ She convinced herself and returned to her usual calm state.

    Meanwhile, a passerby captured the moment and posted: [Saw this gorgeous couple tonight. Super sweet vibe!]

    The moment was captured by a food blogger with a sizable following, whose followers quickly recognized the couple as the once–viral Brian and Jessica.

    Soon, thement section exploded with reactions: [Holy shit! Ms. Grant let that jerk feed her?]

    [Stop hating. Brian exined everything. It was all a misunderstanding. Ms. Grant forgave him. Why can’t you?)

    [Mr. Atkinson has always loved only her)

    [They’re so sweet together. No way it’s fake. They must be back on.]

    (Or is this a joint PR stunt?]

    [No shot. Ms. bGrant /bisn’t that type.]

    15:56 Sat, 30 Aug 000

    [She dumped him. You think she’d fake it for clout?)

    [Capitalists will do anything for profit. Ever seen that CEO and his star wife shilling products daily?]

    [Exactly. Brian and Jessica might be copying their ybook.]

    [Don’t be ridiculous. They’re real. Check Brian’s new tweet before spewing nonsense.]

    [Mr. Atkinson posted again? I’m going to check it right now.]

    Me too.]

    10%日

    Curious,izens swarmed to Brian’s profile, only to find an exhaustive review of prenatal sses. The post was shockingly thorough, so well–written andprehensive that it rivaled content from professional parenting bloggers.

    Netizens were stunned. [Seriously?]

    [Is Mr. Atkinson trying to promote products or something?]

    [Nope. None are Atkinson Group affiliates. These are all fan–rmended ces. He took Jessica to.]

    [This is adorable. I believe in love again.]

    [He promised reviews after trying sses, and he did it.]

    [He listened to our suggestions and followed through by taking such good care of Ms. Grant. Holy shit.]

    [Wait, he even handwrote this review and posted a photo of it? He’s so dedicated.]

    [The notes are handwritten, too. Since when does a billionaire apany his wife to prenatal sses and take handwritten notes?]

    [No man’s that devoted, right?]

    [I’m jealous. My husband won’t even take notes ifor /ime. He can barely stay awake when he apanies me to ss.]

    [Mine banned me from going. He said it’s a waste of money.]

    [Poor thingb, /bHugs.]

    [Rich people love different, huh? Jealousb./b]

    Thement soon devolved into a chorus of admiration and envy.

    Brian scrolled through thements, unable to resist likingments praising theirpatibility and wishing them

    well.

    His reaction sentizens into a frenzy. [Mr. Atkinson readsments!)

    [Please take good care of Ms. Grant! We believe in you, Mr. Atkinson. You can win her back.

    [Rooting for youb!/b]

    15:56 Sat, 30 Aug 0

    [Believe in yourself. You two are meant to be.]

    [Don’t lie to us again.]

    Brian replied: [Thank you.]

    [I won’t deceive anyone.]

    He would reim Jessica’s heart, but the idea that he had ever deceived anyone was absurd.

    10%0

    (+23)

    As he drafted another reply, the bathroom door opened. He immediately set his phone aside, grabbing the hairdryer to

    tend to Jessica’s damp hair.

    Later, scrolling before bed, Brian noticed the trend had shifted. Supportive messages were drowned out by usations. Newments flooded in using him of faking kindness for image repair, and calling Jessica a hopeless romantic.

    Thesements sat heavily in Brian’s chest. He thought, ‘Exnations are pointless. Actions will speak louder.‘ He put his

    phone aside, closed his eyes, andy back on the couch.

    Sometime past midnight, Jessica gasped as a kick startled her awake. She touched her belly, whispering soothing words,

    when suddenly, light flooded the room.

    “Jessi, are you okay?” Brian’s warm palm was already on her forehead before she could answer.