The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 153

I looked at Willow and asked, "What are you thinking?"

She softly said, "I just suddenly realized whether it's Zachary targeting me or Cody bullying me, it always seems like you and Daddy are the ones who step in to help me handle it. I've never really solved any problem on my own." Zane took Willow's little hand. "You're still a child. Of course, you can rely on adults."

He actually wished he could do more for Willow. After all, she would only be with him for about ten more years. When she went to college, she might go to another city. By then, he wouldn't be able to help her even if he wanted to. "But I will grow up," Willow said, sharing her thoughts. "So, I need to work hard to become independent now."

"To have such thoughts..." I focused on encouragement. "That means our Willow is growing up!"

Willow giggled. "But there's still one very important issue."

I asked, "Hmm?"

Willow's voice was soft and barely audible. "I can't talk to other people."

She tried so hard to make a change. When she saw Holly at kindergarten, she told herself to greet the latter politely. But even though her mouth opened, no sound came out.

She thought it might be easier if she talked to her classmates, so she tried to join in when they were talking. Unfortunately, no matter what methods she tried, they all failed. Willow's good mood disappeared instantly. She didn't understand why this was happening to her.

I could feel Willow's disappointment, so I gently patted her back. "It's okay. We'll take it slow. But Willow..."

Willow looked up. "Hmm?"

"If you can't talk to people, can you talk to dolls or toys?" If she could, my plan to use dolls to help guide her would be halfway there.

I looked at her.

Zane's gaze also fell on her.

Willow thought seriously for a long time before shaking her head.

This meant that the plan we hadn't had a chance to try had already failed.

I remained silent.

Zane's expression also became more serious.

Willow feared we'd misunderstood and hurriedly explained, "I don't know yet. I have to try at home to see if it works."

I sighed in relief. "Then, let's go home and try."

Willow nodded. "Okay."

Zane lightly pinched Willow's nose. "Someday, you'll scare me to death."

Willow pouted and complained to me, "Mommy, look at Daddy."

I swatted Zane's hand away. "Little kids are afraid of pain."

Zane looked thoughtfully at the spot where I swatted his hand.

...

Jessica brought Cody home.

The meal was already prepared, and she sat alone in the living room, growing angrier the more she thought about it. "How could there be a man like Zane?"

Cody obediently sat beside Jessica.

Jessica's dissatisfaction grew. "I even lowered my head first, and he still refuses to cooperate with me to solve the problem." As she looked at Cody, all her other emotions seemed to vanish, leaving only her heartache.

"Now, you'll be isolated by your classmates tomorrow when you go to school. Sorry, son. It's because Mommy is useless."