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    Ever since Brian had used his illness as an excuse to share a bed with Jessica ia /i

    between them had grown noticeab Time flew by, and soon it was early October.?

    日156%

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    the atmosphere

    On the day before the school holiday, Jacob’s elementary

    school would host a talent show, inviting parents to attend.

    “Jessi, let’s go with Jake tomorrow,” Brist

    Call

    out from the kitchen while cooking dinner, peeking over at

    Jessica as she checked Jacob’s homework in the living room.

    “Mm,” Jessica replied without looking up. Even if Brian hadn’t mentioned it, she would’ve gone anyway.

    “Can we wear matching family outfits?” Brian finally got to his real point.

    Jessica turned to him, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. “Matching family outfits? You already bought some?”

    “Yeah, I picked them up at the mall a while ago. They’re washed and ready. I’ll show youter.” Brian kept his tone casual, though he had been secretly studying her reaction. Only when he saw nothing but mild

    interest did he rx.

    “Fine. But if they’re ugly, I’m not wearing them,” Jessica teased, masking her amusement. She had noticed Brian’s cautious nces but chose to y along, not wanting to trigger his anxiety.

    Brian exhaled in relief. “Don’t worry. You’ll love them.”

    After dinner, he eagerly brought out the outfits he had selected. The two adult pieces could easily pass as a couple’s set–matching colors, subtle patterned buttons, and coordinated designs. Jacob’s smaller version incorporated elements from both parents‘ outfits while adding child–friendly details.

    “Well? I knew they would suit iyou /ithe moment I saw them,” Brian said proudly, recounting how he had found the set. He then moved on to listing everything they would need for tomorrow’s event, leaving nothing for Jessica to worry about.

    “Not bad,” Jessica said. The clothes were quite stylish, and she didn’t want to dampen Brian’s enthusiasm, lest he spiral into overthinking again.

    At her approval, Brian and Jacob visibly brightened.

    The next morning, the three of them stepped out of their car at the school entrance in their matching family outfits. Their appearance instantly drew a crowd of admiring gazes.

    Someone eximed, “Look, what a stunning couple. Gorgeous parents and an adorable son! I’m jealous.”

    “How have I never seen them before? Is their kid a transfer student?” a woman said, curious.

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    “Jacob is not new here, Mom.” The boy excitedly told his parents all about Jacob’s achievements–always got first ce in exams, wonpetitions, and managed everything perfectly.

    The boy’s mother chuckled, ruffling his hair, “See? Learn from him instead of making me nag you about

    homework.”

    The overwhelmed boy whined and turned to Jacob for help.

    “Your friend is calling you.” Jessica nudged Jacob, her other hand held firmly by Brian.

    Jacob nced over but shrugged yfully. “I can’t help him.” Grinning, he tugged Jessica’s hand. “Mom,e see my ssroom. You’ve never been. My seat is awesome.” With both parents by his side, he was

    practically glowing with happiness.

    “Slow down.” Brian cautioned as Jacob tried to pull Jessica forward. He stepped closer, shielding her from

    the bustling crowd of kids.

    Jessica sighed, “I’m not that fragile.”

    Brian’s gaze was unwavering. “Indulge me this once, Jessi. Please?”

    Jessica sighed inwardly, ‘Once? He’s always like this. His overprotectiveness stemmed from past trauma.

    Forget it. It’s not something he can just stop overnight.‘

    “Fine,” she relented, her tone fond.

    Brian’s eyes lit up. Unable to contain himself, he pressed a kiss on her forehead. “Thank you, Jessi.”

    The scene was so heartwarming that a nearby woman, snapping photos of her daughter, couldn’t resist capturing the moment. Later, she mixed it into her daily social media post, where sharp–eyedizens instantly recognized Jessica and Brian. The photo went viral again.

    Jessica had no idea they were about to go viral again. She finally made it to Jacob’s ssroom under Brian’s watchful guard.

    The ssroom was already half–full of parents. Before the talent show at nine in the morning, a brief parent-

    teacher meeting would take ce.

    Jacob eagerly pulled Jessica to his desk, while Brian arranged two extra chairs beside her.

    They had barely settled when a man recognized Brian and approached, grinning. “You’re here, Mr. Atkinson. Oh, and Ms. Grant too! I knew all those rumors about you two were just nonsense. You two are meant to be.”

    His words hit just the right note with Brian. Though pleased, Brian corrected tly, “I’m on leave from thepany. I’m just a regr husband now. You don’t need to be so formal.”

    The man blinked, surprised, but quickly adjusted. “Right, family first. Especially with Ms. Grant in her third

    12:52 Mon, 1 Sept A

    trimester.”

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    Brian turned out to be small talk until the man offered to have his pregnant wife share tips with Jessica. At that, Brian perked up, ncing at Jessica for approval.

    Jessica gave polite but dismissive replies, finally sending the man away.

    Brian said carefully, watching her closely, “Jessi, if this bothers you, I’ll handle it next time.”

    Jessica shook her head. “No harm done. Just handle the chit–chat yourself next time.”

    Brian nodded.

    Soon after, the teacher entered. After a quick recap of the semester, she announced, “Now, let’s wee

    Jacob’s parents to share their parenting insights.”

    O