bChapter /bb529 /b

    The next morning, Jackson drove Brian and Jessica to the airport to meet up with the show’s crew.

    On the way, Jessica got bored and suddenly remembered something. “What did Dr. Finch talk to you about yesterday?”

    Brian was looking at the travel tips the fans had sent him. He answered casually, “He said he wanted to drop in for an episode or twoter and asked me to save him a spot. I said yes.”

    It wasn’t a big deal for Brian, so he agreed.

    Jessica raised an eyebrow. “He’sing too? Why?”

    She hadn’t thought Wesley was the type to enjoy joining in the fun.

    Brian said, “He ims he wants to keep a close eye on how we’re recovering, but I don’t think he’s being honest.”

    Jessica agreed with that. Thinking about the awkward vibe between Sana and Wesley, she tapped her chin. “In a couple of episodes, there will probably be two more familiar faces on the show.”

    Brian got her drift and was quick to respond, “I’ll ask Raymond to save two spots for guest

    appearances then.”

    Wesley had helped him a lot, and he didn’t mind returning the favor, giving Wesley a hand too.

    “Do what you think is best. I’m tired and gonna sleep for a bit,” Jessica said.

    They still had some way to the airport. Jessica was tired of her phone, so she leaned on Brian’s

    shoulder and closed her eyes to rest.

    As soon as she settled against him, Brian put his phone away. He grabbed a nket from the car and gently draped it over her, then carefully shifted his posture to make her morefortable.

    Jackson noticed it and, without Brian having to say a word, slowed down to avoid disturbing Jessica.

    Jessica had only meant to doze at first, but the ride was sofortable that she ended up falling sound asleep.

    When Brian woke her gently, she was still a little fuzzy.

    “Jessi, we’re here.” Brian looked at her, her big eyes hazy and innocent as she stared up at him, his gaze softening even more.

    13:1 Wed, 3 Sept

    If Raymond hadn’t called twice to check in, Brian wouldn’t have had the heart to wake her.

    08 2, 75%

    Jessica blinked, used Brian’s arm for support to sit up, and looked out at the road full of cars. She finally woke up properly.

    “We’re here? How long did I sleep?” she said, picking up her phone to check the time. When she saw they were already 15 minutes past the meeting time, she couldn’t help jumping a little.

    She said, “It’ste. You should’ve woken me earlier.”

    +15

    “No rush. The ne doesn’t take off for another hour. We’ve got time,” Brian said calmly, reaching out to smooth her hair that had gotten messy while she slept.

    Jessica rolled her eyes at him, reaching for the car door handle.

    Brian was quick to open it for her, shielding her as she got out, and added, “iBe /icareful, Jessi. Watch your step.”

    “I’m not that fragile,” Jessica said without looking back.

    After days of rain, the sun finally came out today. The warm sunlight felt good on her skin, and Jessica couldn’t help stretching.

    Brian took their luggage out of the trunk, and Jackson automatically took it from him so Brian could focus on looking after Jessica.

    “Let’s go,” Jessica said, ncing at Brian–one hand pushing a suitcase, the other steadying her. She

    didn’t say anything more.

    With the two big suitcases Gabri and Sana had given them, they had fourrge suitcases in total. It was probably the most among all the guests on the show.

    Three and a half of those four suitcases contained her stuff. Jessica hadn’t wanted to bring so much,

    but Brian had insisted, so in the end, they’d taken it all.

    Inside the airport, they hadn’t walked far when they spotted the show’s crew.

    Raymond hurried over, beaming. “Mr. Atkinson, Ms. Grant, you’re here atst.”

    The crew members with him automatically took the luggage and followed Jackson to check it in.

    “Sorry, we’rete,” Brian said, his voice serious.

    “No problem at all. We’ve still got plenty of time,” Raymond rushed to say.

    13:17 Wed, b3 /bSept

    bA /b

    Even if there had been a problem, he wouldn’t have dared me Brian, the show’s biggest funder

    now.

    Jessica watched Raymond being overly amodating and shot a quick look at Brian as if saying,

    “Satisfied now?”

    Brian smiled back at her. He was definitely satisfied.

    Raymond quickly led Brian and Jessica to join the other three groups of guests.

    15

    The other guests included Sabrina Benson, an advertising agency owner, and her assistant boyfriend Connor Maddox; actress Vanessa Hale and her husband Spencer Hale; and the youngest couple in the group–popr actress Lillian Cruz and her singer boyfriend Chase Donovan.

    “Mr. Atkinson, Ms. Grant, nice to meet you,” Sabrina said right after Raymond finished introducing everyone, reaching out first to greet Jessica and Brian.

    “Nice to meet you,” Jessica said.

    Brian nodded slightly in acknowledgment but ignored Sabrina’s outstretched hand.

    Jessica had no choice but to step forward and shake Sabrina’s hand herself.

    After all, Sabrina had made the first move. They couldn’t just brush her off.

    “Ms. Benson, we’d love your helpter on,” Jessica said. “And please, feel free to call me Jessi. No need for all the formality.”

    “Sure, Jessi. I’m a few years older, so just call me Sabrina. You’re about seven months along, right? If you feel ufortable at all during the trip, just let me know. I’ll help however I can,” Sabrina said earnestly.

    “Thanks. I’ll definitely take you up on that,” Jessica replied with a smile.

    They both left the first meeting with a good impression of each other.

    Sabrina wanted to chat more to build rapport, but seeing the others waiting to step in, she politely stepped back to make space.

    Jessica and Brian greeted the other two groups of guests one by one, and before long, it was time to board the ne.

    Raymond had already fired up the live stream on his phone. They were starting the filming right from boarding.

    13:17 Wed, 3 SeptA

    Jessica and Brian had read the script beforehand and didn’t mind one bit.

    0? ???, 75%?

    They each said hello to the viewers in the stream and headed to the VIPne to line up for the ne.

    Thanks to Brian’s investment, the show wasn’t short on cash. They’d picked Vndia as the travel spot for the first episode straight away.

    After over ten hours in the air–Jessica slept through most of it again–theynded after dark.

    The

    group then got into the crew’s vehicles and went straight to the pre–booked guesthouse.

    Jessica had slept well on the ne and was feeling pretty energetic. By the time Brian came down after unpacking, she’d already been chatting with Lillian, the youngest in the group, for a while.

    “All unpacked?” Jessica asked casually when she saw Brian walk over.

    “Yep. Should we go get dinner now?” Brian sat down next to Jessica, automatically sliding an arm

    around her waist.

    415

    “Probably,” Jessica said. Since she wasn’t sure, she looked over at Raymond, who was adjusting the equipment.

    “Dinner’s still a little while off. Before that, let’s y a round of cards–give everyone a chance to get to know each other better,” Raymond quickly answered when he saw her looking.

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