The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 157

Today, Howard gave her a day off to rest, so Willow didn't have to do any training. After finishing her meal, she lay on the couch, her little head resting on my lap, happily watching cartoons. Not wanting to miss out on Willow's growth, Zane also put down his work and sat beside me to watch TV with her.

"Daddy," Willow said, dissatisfied that Zane had interrupted her one-on-one time with me.

She sat up and looked at him. "You still haven't finished your work. You don't need to stay here with me. Otherwise, you'll have to work late again!"

Zane already had an excuse prepared. "It's fine. I can handle things at the office tomorrow. It'll be the same."

"I know you're worried I'll be alone," Willow said, wanting to be alone with me. She added firmly, "But Daddy, I have Mommy with me.

"I won't be lonely."

"No," Zane firmly countered. "Both parents should be present in a child's education. Only then can one develop a healthy and well-rounded character."

Willow pouted in anger. Her cheeks were puffed out as she looked at Zane. In the end, she reluctantly lay back down on the couch.

Willow's TV time was only half an hour each day. After turning off the TV, she bargained with me. "Mommy, can I watch one more episode?"

She blinked, looking so sweet, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of motherly love.

I placed the remote aside and squatted down to look at her. "No."

Seeing that I wouldn't give in, Willow pouted but didn't say anything. She drooped her shoulders and slowly walked upstairs, glancing back at me every few steps.

I followed her upstairs.

Children's attention spans always shifted quickly. After I spent some time playing with her in her bedroom, she was noticeably happier.

She hugged me and said, "Mommy, I really love you."

"I love you, too," I said, hugging Willow and giving her a kiss.

Willow let go of me and went to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth while I helped her replace clothes to change into.

"Hello, my name is Willow."

I heard Willow's voice and was puzzled about who she was introducing herself to. When I walked to the bathroom door, I saw Willow standing on a stool to see herself in the mirror.

She was very nervous, her little face full of unease. But she still mustered up the courage to improve and said, one word at a time, "Nice to meet you."

Seeing her practicing, I didn't want to disturb her, so I quietly left.

After taking a shower, Willow lay on the bed, her eyes filled with confusion. "Mommy, is it true that as long as I'm willing to keep trying, I can definitely succeed?"

"Of course, Willow!" I gently stroked her hair.

Willow finally relaxed. "Mommy, thank you."

"You're welcome." I knew Willow lacked confidence, so I picked a story about how hard work led to rewards.

As I read, she smiled slightly, and my mood also lifted. By the time I finished the story, she had already fallen asleep.

I quietly left her room and gently closed the door behind me.

Zane was waiting by the door. Seeing me come out, he spoke softly, "Let's go."

...

The light on the balcony shone on the white round table, creating a particularly cozy atmosphere.

I sat on the stool, and Zane poured me a glass of wine.

I took a small sip, then unconsciously frowned. The taste was too spicy for me to handle.

Zane extended his arm, holding his glass toward me. "Come on. Cheers!"

I clinked glasses with him. After he chugged his drink, I had no choice but to finish mine out of courtesy, even though it was bitter.

Zane looked at me. "Now that I think about it, I haven't relaxed like this in a long time."