?Chapter 1041:


    Before the silence could stretch any further, Alicia slid over, looping her arm through M’s and offering a bright smile to break the tension. “M, we’d better get moving. Traffic might be heavy, and it’ll take a while to reach the restaurant.”


    M quickly pulled herself together, masking her disappointment behind a calm exterior. “You’re right. Let’s go.”


    The group made their way toward the waiting cars without another word.


    Jeffery spoke up, breaking the quiet. “Dad, Mom, you two should ride up front.”


    M hesitated, ncing at Linsey, but the memory of Linsey’s guarded reaction made her reconsider pressing any closer.


    There would be other chances to close the gap—she knew that if she forced things now, she would only push Linsey further away.


    So, Linsey and Alicia made their way to the second car, leaving the others to the first.


    Jeffery slipped quietly into the front seat, making sure the more spacious area in back was left open for both women.


    Pregnancy made even the simplest things tricky for Alicia, and she hesitated at the car door.


    Linsey, noticing her struggle, reached out to offer a steadying hand.


    “Thanks,” Alicia said, her voice low but sincere.


    With everyone settled, the car eased away from the curb, moving unhurriedly down the street.


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    Linsey soon realized the driver was deliberately careful, no doubt keeping Alicia’s condition in mind.


    The stillness inside the car didn’tst long. Alicia soon nced over, her tone gentle. “Linsey, did you manage to eat something this morning? Are you feeling hungry?”


    Linsey shook her head lightly. “I’m fine. I ate before we left.”


    Alicia’s hand drifted to her belly, her smile a mix of pride and shyness. “I did eat before I left the house, but I’m already hungry again. Cravings hit at the strangest times these days.”


    Drawing from her own experience, Linsey easily picked up the conversation with Alicia. “That’spletely normal. Pregnancy has a way of making you hungry all the time. You need plenty of extra nourishment now.”


    Alicia agreed with an awkward smile, but a hint of worry crept into her eyes. “Honestly, ever since I got pregnant, all I want to do is eat and sleep. I barely get any exercise anymore.”


    Linsey offered her aforting smile. “Don’t stress about that. Once the baby arrives and you’ve had time to recover, you’ll be back to your usual routines. For now, since you’re well along, gentle walks are probably best.”


    From the front seat, Jeffery watched them in the rearview mirror, lost in thought.


    Memories from four years ago resurfaced. Linsey had packed up and left Grester right after learning she was pregnant.


    She had spent those years overseas, bringing twins into the world all on her own. Jeffery couldn’t begin to fathom how she managed to get through it.


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