The restaurant’s ambiance and vors suited Jessica and Brian perfectly. After dinner, they both agreed it was worth revisiting.

    As they strolled to aid digestion, Jessica voiced her curiosity. “How did you find this ce? You’ve gotten too familiar with the neighborhoodtely.”

    “Netizens‘ rmendations,” Brian admitted. He had grown to appreciate theizens‘ hive minds. Aside from the asional trolls, many of them offered helpful suggestions.

    Jessica frowned, “You’re still askingizens for advice? Are they still harassing you?” She had glimpsed the vitriol in hisment sections before and knew how brutal cyberbullying could be.

    The first time she had scrolled through these harshments, she had nned to tell Brian to quit social media altogether. Her rtionship with him wasn’t any of their business, yet they kept abusing him.

    “Some do, but it’s tapered off.” Surprisingly, the insults barely fazed Brian now.

    “Maybey low online for a while,” Jessica suggested.

    Brian misread her concern. “You don’t like me posting?”

    Jessica sighed at his cautious tone, “That’s not it. Aren’t you furious after reading thosements?”

    Brian’s lips curved. “Jessi, are you worried about me?i” /i

    “Don’t tter yourself.” Jessica quickened her pace, veering onto an unfamiliar side street without noticing.

    When she disappeared around the corner, Brian hurried after her.

    Halfway down the narrowne, Jessica paused at a booming voice. “Juicy grilled beef. Fresh off the fire!”

    “What’s this ce?” she asked, surprised.

    “A local market,” Brian exined, catching upi. /i“Probably your first time here?”

    Jessica nodded. She knew old–town alleys lingered behind the skyscrapers, but she had never explored beyond the polished malls before.

    “This looks fun. Let’s explore.” Grabbing Brian’s hand, she plunged into the bustling crowd.

    It was rush hour, and the market bustled with ioffice /iworkers and locals browsing stalls lining both sides of the narrow street, stocking up on fresh ingredients for dinner.

    Interspersed among the vendors were small eateries and food carts offering all kinds of snacks.

    The lively atmosphere was a far cry from the sterile supermarket experience Jessica was ustomed to. She wandered curiously, pausing when the smoky aroma of grilled sausages caught her attention. “That smells amazing. Let’s get one.”

    Brian eyed the grease–smeared cart but held his tongue at Jessica’s eager expression. He positioned himself as a human shield, ensuring no jostling passersby or stray oil stters reached her.

    The sausage arrived piping hot. Jessica took a bite as they walked, then offered some to Brian.

    He took a bite, shrugged, and said, “It’s fine. Nothing special.”

    Jessica’s focus soon shifted to a pretzel stand further ahead. Without hesitation, she handed Brian her half–eaten sausage and joined the queue.

    This crowd was rowdy, clusters of boisterous students fresh from school mingled with adults.

    39%

    Brian tensed, cradling Jessica protectively against his chest with one arm while clutching her leftovers in his free hand, wary of any sudden movements

    around her.

    Thankfully, the pretzel was served quickly.

    No sooner had Jessica taken her first bite than she spotted another stall. As she stepped toward it, a motorcycle roared past, missing her by inches.

    Brian’s face paled instantly. “Watch out!” He yanked her back. “How could motorcycles be allowed in?”

    Jéssica shrugged. “Rules seem flexible here. Rx, I’m fine. Now go queue for those spicy grilled prawns.”

    Defeated, Brian joined the line.

    Jessica watched his sweat–dampened shirt cling to his back, a flicker of happiness shing in her eyes.

    Even while queuing, Brian kept waving Jessica closer, ensuring she stayed within his protective radius. The line might be long, but at least here, he could shield her from the crowd.

    Jessica sighed but obliged, stepping beside him.

    They ate the grilled prawns by the roadside, Jessica devouring most while Brian dutifully peeled them for her.

    “Try one? It’s really good,” she offered, trying to let Brian taste it.

    Brian took a bite, only to cough violently from the spice.

    Jessica quickly handed him water, vetoing any further attempts.

    By the time they left, Brian looked down at his hands, still carrying the strong smell of chili, and gave a helpless smile.

    Fatigue soon overtook Jessica. “Let’s head back. We can explore the rest another time.” She looked at Brian’s forehead, where tiny beads of sweat had formed.

    “Okay.” Brian quickly nodded. He mentally drafted aint to local authorities, at least banning motorcycles here. This chaos was no ce for a pregnant woman.

    As they exited the market, the quieter streets felt like a reprieve.

    Brian blinked as Jessica suddenly popped a snack into his mouth!

    “It’s sweet. Stop frowning,” she teased, grinning at her sessful ambush.

    Brian chewed. The sweetness did contrast sharply with his earlier spice ordeal. “I was frowning?”

    He thought, ‘Was it really that obvious? I thought myposure was wless, but Jessi’s knowing look suggested otherwise. Did I worry her again?‘

    “You’ve been frowning the whole time.” Jessica nodded. Her sigh wasced with fond exasperation. “Me and our babies aren’t that fragile. It’s just a market.” Her gaze softened. “Take a breath, my kids‘ dad.”

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!