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    Jessica followed Brian’s gaze and immediately understood his concern. She frowned as well. “This is all ir fault,” she muttered, forced to duck her head and hide herself. The whole situation irritated her, and she couldn’t help but s at him.

    If Brian hadn’t been so reckless before, constantly making headlines and trending on social media, they wouldn’t have to deal with people taking photos wherever they went. It was incredibly annoying.

    Brian gave her a rueful smile but epted the me. “You’re right, it’spletely my fault. Jessica, can you step a little closer? I think that person’s camera is aimed right at you. Maybe I should go talk to them.”

    Brian didn’t care if people photographed him, but he couldn’t stand the thought of Jessica being bothered by it.

    “Just forget it,” Jessica said, pulling her sun hat down lower over her face.

    Today was Jake’s elementary school registration day, and she didn’t want any unpleasant confrontations to ruin it.

    Brian naturally went along with whatever she wanted. If she said to forget it, then they’d forget it.

    But thinking about how much Jessica hated being in the spotlight, Brian picked up his phone and contacted Jackson to have someone monitor online discussions constantly. If any stories about Jake and Jessica surfaced, they needed to be taken down immediately.

    Jessica caught sight of this from the corner of her eye, and the frustration in her chest suddenly melted away. Of course, there was never just one solution to a problem, especially for people like them with their resources.

    Soon enough, it was their turn in line. Brian stepped forward and submitted the paperwork to handle Jake’s enrollment.

    Jessica stood ito /ithe side, holding Jake’s hand as she watched Brian bend over to sign the documents. For a moment, she realized this was actually their first time bringing Jake to school together.

    When Jake had started kindergarten, she and Brian’s rtionship had already grown cold.

    Even though Jessica had told Brian well in advance to clear his schedule so he coulde back and take Jake to school with her, he still hadn’t made it home that day.

    instead.

    Lot Brian was overseeing had run into problems, and as the lead, he’d had to stay at thepany to handle it. Back

    left Atkinson Group yet, and as his chief secretary, Jessica should have stayed with him. But she’d taken the day off

    Jessica couldn’t bear the thought of Jake going to school for the first time without anyone there for him. It was probably after that day that she’d finally made up her mind ito /ifocus on her family.

    For a child to grow up properly, one parent had to step back from their career.

    Brian had just taken over the heavy responsibilities of Atkinson Group from Gavin, so he obviously couldn’t abandon ship at such a crucial time. That left Jessica with no choice but to give up her own ambitions.

    Jessica didn’t feel bitter about it back then. Even though she and Brian had moved past their honeymoon phase, she still loved him and Jake wholeheartedly.

    “Hey, what are you thinking about?” Brian asked when he returned from registering Jake. He found Jessica staring off into the distance,pletely lost in thought.

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    “Just remembering the past. This seems like the first time you’ve actually brought Jake to register for anything,” Jessica said tly.

    Jessica was in a foul mood and wanted to drag Brian down with her. ‘Why should I be the only one suffering while he got to enjoy this perfect father–son bonding time?‘ she thought.

    Jake realized she was right and shot Brian a resentful look. Brian’s expression froze when he caught e sh of malice in Jessica’s eyes. He hung his head in defeat.

    “I’m sorry. I was too selfish before and neglected both of you,” Brian said quietly.

    ‘I really do understand my mistakes now,‘ he thought desperately. ‘So please, just give ime /iione /imore chance.‘

    Jessica turned her head away, refusing to meet his gaze. The rejection made Brian’s heart sink ieven /ideeper, but he iknew /ihe had no right to demand anything from her.

    “It’s okay! As long as you spend more time with me from now on, Daddy,” Jake said sweetly, not wanting to see Brian upset.

    Jessica let out a coldugh at this and turned to walk away.

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