bChapter /bb503 /b

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    Wesley studied Brian, tension coiled in his frame like a cornered animal, and offered blunt advice, “If thosements. suffocate you, stop reading them.” It baffled him why Brian would willingly subject himself to such torment.

    Brian shook his head. “No. I need them as reminders, to never repeat my mistakes.” He feared losing sight of his priorities and hurting Jessica again. That oue was unforgivable.

    Thinking of Jessica waiting outside, Brian straightened, forcingposure. “Dr. Finch, Jessi has enough to worry about. Just prescribe something to take the edge off. I’ll manage the rest.” At least until the twins arrived, he would keep his emotions in check.

    Seeing Brian’s obsessive gaze, Wesley doubted that. He said bluntly, “Medication isn’t advisable unless necessary. The side effects aren’t worth it in your case.”

    “Understood. Thanks for your time.” Brian stood, unfazed. “Please keep this between us.” As for the medication, he wasn’t too bothered.

    Wesley sighed as Brian dismissed the warning. He couldn’t help but raise his voice as he reminded, “Mr. Atkinson, psychological health isn’t trivial. Ignoring it will backfire.”

    “I’ll adjust. If I can’t, I’ll book triple–fee sessions with you,” Brian chuckled. Money meant nothing if it bought stability to care for Jessica.

    Wesley didn’t bother arguing further, knowing full well Brian wouldn’t listen. When they walked out, Wesley turned to Jessica. “Since you’re here, have a check–in now?”

    Jessica agreed instantly, reading between the lines.

    Brian’s eyes narrowed in silent warning.

    “Rx,” Wesley said. “Doctor–patient confidentiality does exist.”

    “Naturally.” Brian’s smile didn’t reach his eyes as Jessica entered the consultation room.

    Alone on the couch, he reyed Wesley’s words, still convinced the diagnosis was an overreaction. He thought, ‘Hopefully Wesley keeps his mouth shut. Jessi doesn’t need this nonsense.‘

    In the room, Wesley handed Jessica a ss of water and said before she could even ask, “Ms. Grant, you know I can’t disclose patient details.”

    Jessica understood. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have trusted him as her therapist. But concern for Brian gnawed at her. She asked, “Not even a hint?”

    After months of sessions, their rapport/bordered on friendship. Wesley knew the tangled history between these two. Finally, he relented slightly. “Insomnia is never trivial, especially sudden onset cases like Brian’s. Left unaddressed, it will

    escte.”

    “So he needs intervention? From me?” Jessica’s voice tightened. Brian’s insomnia had begun precisely when she moved back in. The cause, at least partially, had to be because of her.

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    Wesley nodded. “Naturally. You’ve always been his exception. I thought you knew that.”

    A wry smile touched Jessica’s lips. “I see.”

    Wesley didn’t press further. Jessica’s sharp mind would connect the dots.

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    Leaving the clinic, Jessica feigned exhaustion. “Carry me to the car.”

    Her sudden request surprised Brian. He froze for a second.

    “You object?” Jessica frowned slightly.

    In one swift motion, Brian scooped her up, cradling her against his chest as they walked to the car.

    Jessica rested her head on his shoulder, Wesley’s words reying in her mind. Reconciliation wasn’t on the table yet, but Brian was proving himself an exceptional father–to–be. And her children deserved nothing less than his best.

    Having made up her mind, Jessica began consciously rxing around Brian, using small gestures to ease his tension before he worked himself into a hospital bed.

    That weekend, Jacob finally returned. With crisp autumn air perfect for an outing, Brian drove Jessica and him to a nearby wend park.

    Jacob ran ahead while Brian steadied Jessica at a slower pace. “Tired? Want to rest?” Brian asked as he brushed a bead of

    sweat from her temple.

    Jessica nodded. “A bit. I’ll sit on that bench. Keep an eye on Jake.”

    Brian guided her over before calling Jacob back.

    Jacob obeyed instantly, darting ito /iJessica’s side.

    Touched, Jessica ruffled his hair. “My boy is growing up.”

    Just then, a glint of light caught her eye. She looked up to see Brian hastily lowering his phone. “You were sneaking photos.” She reached for the phone. “Let me see.”

    “No.” Brian raised it out of reach, misinterpreting her intent.

    “Why not?” Jessica asked,

    Brian hesitated, at a loss for words.

    “Exin,” she demanded, feigning anger.

    Relenting, Brian handed it over, pleading. “Don’t delete it, okay?” That radiant smile had been too perfect to resist capturing,

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    Jessica rolled her eyes. “Who said I would?” She thought, ‘Am I that unreasonable?‘

    Brian held his breath, scrutinizing her reaction.

    The next second, Jessica scowled at the screen. “Ugh, this looks terrible. Your photography skills are awful.”

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    15:57 Sat, 30 Aug 0