The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 125

Gavin said, "We all know. Whether before or after your marriage, the one in your heart has always been Jessica." Steven still couldn't understand.

Why was it that now-when his dreams had come true-he felt no happiness? Instead, a hollow emptiness was inside him, as though he had lost something important. Steven opened his wardrobe.

The neatly hung suits were all wrinkled. His clothes were always neatly pressed when Annalise was around, looking as fresh as new.

He pushed open the bedroom door and walked into the living room.

Jessica was watching TV, and when she noticed him approaching, she pouted and complained, "The nanny took the day off, and no one made dinner. I had to order takeout." At this moment, Steven suddenly realized he hadn't had takeout in a long time.

When he was with Annalise, he was in the early stages of his career and had no time to cook, so he relied on takeout every day.

At that time, Annalise was pregnant. She would always tell him that takeout wasn't healthy. So, she cooked meals at home every day and brought them to his office.

As his company grew and stabilized, he gradually had more time to enjoy home-cooked meals.

Every evening when he came home, he could always replace delicious food on the table, along with Annalise's gentle smile. It made him feel at peace.

Jessica didn't notice Steven's expression. She leaned into his arms and coquettishly said, "Steven, how about we hire another nanny and a driver?"

Steven only shot back, "Don't we already have one?"

"No. We're still short of manpower." Jessica sat up and counted on her fingers. "Look. We only have one nanny at home. What if she takes a day off? Then, I'd have to eat takeout." She gently rubbed her belly. "That's not good for the baby.

"As for the driver... Zachary said he'll start picking up the driver soon, but what if I want to go out and there's no one to drive me?"

Steven listened to her talk and wondered if she was this delicate only when she was pregnant. Or was this just how all women were?

Unconsciously, his mind wandered back to when Annalise was pregnant with Zachary. Back then, no one took care of her. She did all the house chores herself. And she never once complained.

When he came home, she always smiled and nestled in his arms, happily talking about their future.

At that moment, Steven suddenly realized those times must have been hard for Annalise. But she didn't want to worry him, so she never said anything.

Annalise really loved him.

Steven froze for a moment before replying, "Alright. We'll do it your way."

Jessica hugged his neck. "You're the best!"

Steven gently patted her back and hummed.

...

Willow returned home and saw that Howard was still there. Her smile instantly vanished.

Howard noticed the change in Willow's expression and held back a laugh, waving at her. "Willow, come here. We're about to start today's training!" Willow tightly gripped my hand, feeling conflicted. After a long hesitation, she finally walked over to Howard.

Howard praised, "You're sticking to your training. Great job!"

Zane and I decided to stay with her so she wouldn't feel lonely. That made Willow smile again.

Last time, Howard noticed how weak she was and let her rest after running 100 yards. This time, he increased the distance to 160 yards.

Willow was drenched in sweat by the end of it.

When the session ended, she collapsed on the grass and didn't want to get up.

Zane saw this, picked her up, and carried her to the bedroom.

Willow struggled to get washed up, and as soon as she lay down on the bed, she fell asleep almost instantly. She didn't even need me to put her to sleep.

I smiled, shook my head, and adjusted her blanket before leaving her room.

Zane was waiting for me just outside of Willow's room.

When I came out, he walked toward the balcony, and I followed.

"I spoke to her teacher today..." Zane said.

He was very protective of Willow and naturally didn't want to see her being bullied at school.