:

    Before they knew it, Monday had arrived. The next recording was just two days away.

    b59 /b

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    Jessica considered dropping by Wesley’s office for a final check–up before leaving, but unfortunately, he was unavable that day. She managed to schedule an appointment for tomorrow instead.

    “Tomorrow works,” Brian said casually. “We can do the check–up and then grab dinner with everyone.”

    He wasn’t particrly concerned about the appointment. He already felt fully recovered. If anything, he was more eager to use the opportunity to boast a little in front of Wesley.

    “Sounds good,” Jessica agreed and called Sana to see if she was free to join them for dinner.

    “I’m in,” Sana replied without hesitation. “Too bad Gabi’s away on a business trip. Otherwise we could’ve invited her too.”

    “No big deal. Once I’m back from Willowridge, we’ll n something again.” Jessica had long grown used to Gabri’s globe–trotting lifestyle and didn’t feel much disappointment.

    “Fair enough.” Sana chatted with her for a bit longer before returning to her work.

    Left with nothing urgent to do, Jessica decided to go out for a walk. Naturally, Brian apanied her.

    Elsewhere, Miguel emerged from a run–down apartment building, limping slightly, his expression grim.

    Ever since his parents had been arrested, the man who had once shown interest in buying Madeline turned on him, iming he’d been misled, and demanded his money back.

    Miguel had no choice but to sell the apartment he’d bought to repay the debt. Forced to sell in a rush, he epted a heavily discounted price. Even then, he had to dip into his personal savings to make up the difference.

    With most of his savings gone, he could no longer afford to stay in a decent apartment. He’d rented a cramped, aging unit in a dpidated building instead.

    Now, even basic living expenses were bing a burden. Worse still, whenever he went out, he felt the sting of familiar eyes and whispered judgment.

    Miguel seethed with resentment.

    He began ming Brian. If Brian had married his sister and provided financial support, none of this would have happened.

    The thought of Brian livingfortably with his new partner only deepened his bitterness.

    Determined to ruin their happiness, Miguel pulled out his phone and began searching for updates on Brian and Jessica.

    If he was going to suffer, so would they.

    17:10 Thu, Sep 18 …

    *****

    :

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    The next morning, Jessica and Brian arrived at Wesley’s office for their scheduled consultation.

    Wesley, as always, conducted a thorough session, and was pleased to find both of them showing marked improvement.

    “At this rate,” Wesley said with a smile, “you might not need to see me much longer.”

    “That’s a shame,” Jessica replied warmly. “I’ve actuallye to enjoy our chats.”

    Brian, not missing a beat, interjected, “I can keep youpany too, you know.”

    Jessica nudged him lightly. “Don’t start.”

    Wesley chuckled. “Come on now. I’m also about to get married. I keep things professional.”

    “Oh? Does Ms. Gardner know that?” Brian said, slipping an arm around Jessica’s waist, the tease unmistakable.

    He knew Sana hadn’t fully warmed up to Wesley yet, unlike how close he and Jessica had grown.

    “By the way, Dr. Finch, you probably haven’t heard. Jessica’s parents were in town for Jake’s birthday. They were very weing.”

    Wesley raised an eyebrow at Brian’s self–satisfied tone. “Mr. Atkinson, don’t you think you’re being a little childish?”

    “Exactly,” Jessica chimed in, clearly unimpressed. At times like this, she struggled to believe she even knew

    Brian.

    “Childish? I’m just stating facts,” Brian said with exaggerated innocence. “Unless you’re jealous? You’ve never been to Ms. Gardner’s house, have you?”

    He tossed the jab yfully but with intent, still nursing a grudge from the time Wesley had knowingly let him misunderstand a situation just for the amusement of it.

    Jessica resisted the urge to hide her face, utterly embarrassed,

    But Wesley merely smiled. “Actually, you’re mistaken. I’ve been to Sana’s ce already. Had dinner there justst night, in fact. Her parents are exceptional cooks.”

    Brian froze, while Jessica burst intoughter and gave him a yful shove. “That backfired, huh?”

    Still unconvinced, Brian muttered, “Well… who knows if he’s telling the truth.”

    Jessica let it slide, but once they arrived at the restaurant, she wasted no time turning to Sana. “Sana,” she said with a grin, “Dr. Finch says he’s already been to your ce, and your parents even cooked for him. Is that

    true?b” /b

    At the mention, Sana’s expression darkened. “Ugh, don’t remind me. Honestly, Jessi, you wouldn’t believe how biased my parents are. Every time I visit, they ask how Wesley is doing. You’d think he’s their real child and

    17:10 Thu, Sep 18 bd/b.

    I’m the adopted one.”

    :

    At that, anyst flicker of hope in Brian’s chest was extinguished.

    155 vouchers

    He hadn’t imagined Wesley would move so quickly, not only meeting the parents but actually winning them over. Compared to that, Brian’s own progress was, frankly,ughable.

    “Well then, Mr. Atkinson. Seems like I’ve won this time,” Wesley said with a glint of amusement, withdrawing his gaze from the two women chatting nearby and turning it squarely on Brian.

    Brian had no desire to respond.

    “Oh, and Mr. Atkinson,” Wesley added, clearly not nning to let him off easily. “Got a quick question for

    you.”

    Brian gave him a t look. “Go ahead.”

    Leaning in slightly, Wesley lowered his voice with a smile. “Back when you married Ms. Grant, which wedding nningpany did you use? Mind giving me a referral? I’m thinking about getting Sana to marry me

    soon.”

    Brian was genuinely surprised. “Marriage? I didn’t think Ms. Gardner was even entertaining that idea.”

    “Doesn’t matter,” Wesley replied smoothly. “As long as I am. You ought to have a little faith in me, Mr.

    Atkinson.”

    Brian chose not to dignify that with a reply.

    Of course, Wesley wasn’t seriously looking for a wedding nner. The question had been nothing more than an excuse to gloat.

    After all, Brian’s wedding had taken ce a decade ago. Whether thepany still existed was anyone’s guess.

    But since Brian had started the showboating earlier, Wesley figured a little return fire was more than fair.

    Brian cursed him silently and made a quiet decision to pick up the pace.

    There was no way he could allow Wesley and Sana to be the first to tie the knot while he and Jessica hadn’t even made it back to the altar. That would be ridiculous.

    As they continued chatting, Brian’s mind was already racing ahead, piecing together a n.

    After dinner, Wesley and Sana took their leave.

    Jessica, noticing there was still some daylight left, suggested they walk for a bit.

    Brian readily agreed. They strolled casually, eventually arriving at a newly opened shopping mall.

    bJessica /bcaught sight of a dessert shop just ahead, its storefront bustling with customers and a queue trailing out the door. Something about the disy sparked her appetite.

    …

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    “Those little cakes look pretty good,” she said, eyeing the counter. “Why don’t you get in line and grab a few?”

    Brian nced toward the long line ahead and spotted a nearby bench within sight. He guided Jessica to sit and rest, then turned and strode purposefully toward the queue.