The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 167

Zane didn't answer me directly. Instead, he said, "It seems like her attitude toward you isn't that great. Why are you still willing to be friends with her?"

"She doesn't have much malice toward me," I answered after thinking seriously. "Mainly because I suddenly realized I don't really have any friends in this city. Sasha is the first." Zane was shocked.

"You probably don't know, but I came to this completely unfamiliar city for Steven," I explained calmly. "Then, I married him. I never had the chance to work or make friends, and then I got pregnant. "Afterward, like most housewives, all my energy went into taking care of the child and doing housework. I never had any free time."

All my time was filled up. Naturally, I didn't have the mood to consider other things.

I looked at Zane. "So, I'm really happy that Sasha is willing to be my friend."

Zane listened, suddenly feeling that Annalise was trapped at home like the girl in the seashell-living a repetitive and monotonous life as days passed.

Now that she had finally stepped out, everything was starting to improve.

He knew he couldn't selfishly ruin her friendship with others.

Zane looked out the window. "Since you really cherish her as a friend, then let her come to the office."

He had clearly been unwilling just a moment ago.

I was confused. "Doesn't that affect your work?"

Zane said, "I can handle it."

...

Willow was in an exceptionally good mood today, hopping and skipping as she left the school gates.

"Willow!"

Before she had even reached me, a little voice called her name.

Willow turned around.

A little girl in a pink dress waved at her. "See you tomorrow!"

Willow nodded and waved back.

It wasn't until the little girl had left that Willow continued walking toward us.

I took her small hand and asked, "Is she your friend?"

"Yes!" Willow was thrilled. "She came up to me as soon as I entered the school gate today and asked me if I needed a friend. I nodded. Then, she asked if I would mind if she wanted to be my friend. I shook my head. Then, she leaned in close and said that we're good friends now."

Willow happily climbed into the car. "Mommy, I just realized today that there are kids my age who want to play with me."

She sat down, her face full of joy. "It makes me so happy! In the future, I'm going to work hard to overcome my condition! That way, I can just say hi to whoever I like, and we can be good friends!"

I gently rubbed her chubby little cheek. "Keep going!"

Willow then lay in my arms. "I will!"

Zane was more concerned about Willow's progress. He asked, "Has the practice in these past few days been helpful?"

Willow didn't answer right away. She thought for a long time, then shook her head. "Although it hasn't worked yet, I believe it will definitely work if I keep going."

Zane looked at Willow, suddenly realizing that she had changed a lot in this time.

The old Willow had always been delicate. But because she had trouble speaking to others, he often felt sorry for her and indulged her.

She didn't have her own opinions back then. She just followed what others said.

Zane had always thought she was just young and would improve as she grew. But now, she was only five years old and already starting to form her own opinions. She could judge what was good for her, and she would stick with it no matter how difficult or tiring it was. Zane smiled with pride. "Our Willow is growing up."

Willow's eyes widened. "Daddy, what are you talking about? I'm only five years old! I'm still a little kid!"