The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 110

It probably would not be long before Steven got tired of Jessica. He would then replace an excuse to dump her.

No way! Jessica could not let that happen.

She made up her mind. She needed to replace more ways to get close to Steven. This was the only way to stay in his life a little longer.

...

To help build Willow's strength, I woke her ten minutes early. Though sleepy, she got up without complaint.

We started with a few hundred yards of walking until she fully woke up, then began jogging. We would rest when she got tired, and then, we would repeat the same routine. After several rounds, Willow was completely spent. She was too exhausted to even walk. She collapsed on the grass motionlessly.

Knowing she was wiped out, I carried her back to her room. I helped her shower after she cleaned herself up a little.

Now dressed, Willow wisely declared, "I guess getting stronger isn't something that happens overnight."

Her serious expression made me laugh. I tapped her nose playfully. "That's right."

She insisted, "But I'll keep at it." Pumping her tiny fist, she said, "I'm going to be the strongest kid ever!"

I encouraged, "You sure will be, Willow!"

Only then did she take my hand happily as we headed downstairs. Spotting Zane in the living room, she tilted her head and asked, "Daddy, did you just wake up?"

Zane could tell she wanted to brag. Playing along, he asked, "I did. What about you?"

Willow lifted her chin proudly. "I've been up forever! Mommy and I ran laps and everything!"

Zane gave me a surprised look.

Willow lectured, "Daddy, being lazy isn't good for you. Your health will be at stake." She took his hand. "I want you to be healthy, too."

Her thoughtfulness warmed Zane's heart. "What should Daddy do, then?"

"You should exercise with us every morning and evening," Willow proposed. She then looked at him earnestly and asked, "Okay, Daddy?"

Zane stroked her soft hair. "Okay."

Willow jumped with joy. "Yay!"

She happily sat down and had her breakfast after her mission was accomplished. Maybe it was the exercise, but her appetite was better than usual. Watching her changes brought a smile to my face.

...

As we dropped Willow at school, she kept turning back to look at us. I waved, and she waved back until she disappeared into the building. I felt oddly empty once she was gone. Just as I was about to turn and leave, Zachary stood in my path. His usual impatience was replaced by a meek attitude. I stopped walking.

He said with his head down, "Mommy, I know I was wrong. I'm sorry. Ms. Jessie always told me bad things about you...

"She said you were too strict and were just trying to control me. Then, she'd let me do whatever I wanted. I was having fun, so I thought she was right."

His tears started falling as he spoke. "But I realized that wasn't true ever since you've been gone...

"You monitored my diet because you didn't want my stomach to hurt. You cared about me because you loved me and wanted me to live a comfortable life."