bChapter /bb501 /b

    The warmth of Brian’s touch wasforting, so much so that, for a fleeting moment, Jessica wished he could stay pressed against her like that forever. But reason quickly prevailed.

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    She pushed him away lightly, her tone indifferent. “It’s nothing. Just the babies kicking.” Her hand drifted to her belly, a mix of exasperation and fondness in her eyes. “They’re getting rowdier by the day. Did they wake you?”

    She thought, ‘Since when does Brian sleep so lightly?‘

    “No, I was already up.” Brian shook his head, then gently ced his hand over her belly.

    Their fingers brushed. Jessica froze but didn’t pull back.

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    Seizing the opportunity, Brian enveloped her hand with hisrger one, guiding it gently across her belly as he murmured,

    “Be good, little ones. Mommy’s working hard to carry you. Don’t give her trouble.”

    His ease with the moment was so natural that Jessica let it slide, though she couldn’t help chuckling when he continued

    his earnest pep talk, “They’re too young to understand all that.”

    “They do,” Brian insisted. “The instructor said they can sense us now. If we talk to them enough, they’ll learn.”

    Jessica sighed andy back down. “Fine, they’re geniuses. But I need sleep. Give the parenting for tomorrow.”

    Brian gave her a pleading look, but Jessica steeled herself, refusing to turn around even as she felt his gaze burning into

    her back.

    Left with no choice, he retreated to the couch, but not without onest whisper. “Goodnight, Jessi. Goodnight, babies.”

    The following day, after breakfast, Brian eagerly prepared for the day’s prenatal session.

    Jessica, with nothing better to do, indulged him.

    Once the session ended, they strolled through a nearby mall. Jessica wanted to shop for maternity clothes. Her growing belly had rendered most of her wardrobe unwearable.

    Before leaving, Brian had even tweeted asking for rmendations on the best maternity brands.

    Netizens were amazed,menting that Brian seemed to be turning into a full–time househusband.

    Ignoring the bonline /bchatter, Brian focused solely on gathering useful suggestions, selecting the most useful suggestions, and then choosing the best store to take Jessica to.

    With so many people giving advice, there were plenty of quality options. Eventually, he selected two highly rmended boutiquesb, /bwhich offered excellent selections.

    Both stores carried styles Jessica loved. She tried on a few pieces, and Brian promptly bought the entire collection.

    “Why so many?” Jessica sighed. She would only need them for a short while longer.

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    “You can wear a different one each day. Change things up,” Brian said cheerfully, a tip he had picked up from parenting

    ss.

    Jessica didn’t argue.

    Brian swiped his card, arranging for the clothes to be delivered, then escorted her to continue shopping.

    When fatigue set in, he chose a well–reviewed restaurant, ordering entirely based on Jessica’s preferences.

    Their striking looks soon drew attention. After shooing away yet another fan seeking a selfie, Brian frowned.

    Jessica noticed and teased him, “Regretting the spotlight nowi?/ii” /iHe had enjoyed being on the trending topics not too long

    ago.

    “A little. Should we go somewhere quieter?” Brian didn’t borate. Alone, he wouldn’t have minded, but he refused to risk

    Jessica’sfort.

    “Let’s just go home. We’re done anyway.” Jessica dabbed her lips with a napkin.

    Relieved, Brian gathered their bags and followed her out.

    After a long day of shopping, Jessica was exhausted. She washed up and fell asleep almost instantly.

    When she woketer, the room was dark. ncing toward the couch, she could barely see Brian’s figure. She moved

    carefully, trying not to disturb him as she slipped out of bed. Just as she was about to head to the bathroom, the lights

    flicked on.

    “Jessi, where are iyou /igoing?” Brian stood by the couch, wide awake, his eyes clear and alert, nothing like someone who

    had just woken up.

    Jessica didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she picked up her phone from the nightstand. It was 3:40 a.m. Holding the phone, she studied Brian’s energetic demeanor and asked, “You’re still awake at this hour?”

    “No, I just woke up. Do you need water? Or the bathroom? You should turn the lights on before getting up.” Brian deflected

    smoothly.

    But Jessica wasn’t letting it go this time. This was the fifth instance recently where Brian had sprung up the moment she

    stirred, no matter the time.

    She had assumed he was just a light sleeper, but the rity in his eyes made her suspicious. “Brian, are you an

    insomniac?i” /i

    “No, Jessi, don’t overthink it. Why would I be?” Brian denied instantly.

    He checked the ss on the nightstand. Seeing it was still full and Jessica’s expression calm, he guessed she needed the bathroom and then hurried ahead to turn on the light. “Go ahead Rest well. We’re visiting the park tomorrow.”

    “Stop changing the subject. You are an insomniac, aren’t you? Why?” Jessica pressed.

    “I’m not, Jessi. Trust me.” Brian refused to budge, gently guiding her toward the bathroom before faking a yawn. “So tired. I’m going back to sleep. Don’t stay up toote after you’re done.”

    15:56 Sat, 30 Aug.

    As his footsteps faded, Jessica’s frown deepened. The more he exined, the more suspicious she became.

    Back in bed, she waited for a few minutes, then let out a soft, pained whimper, covering her belly.

    Instantly, the lights zed on. Brian rushed to her side, panic etched across his face. “What’s wrong, Jessi?”

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