The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 180

Steven just smiled. "And what about Cody?"

The question left Jessica speechless. She stood there, thinking over it for a long time, but no solution came to mind.

Cody was her son, and Steven was her cash cow. There was no way to choose between them.

Jessica pursed her lips, her expression troubled. She stayed silent, and Steven didn't push her. He waited patiently for her to come up with a solution.

Finally, Jessica made up her mind. "Let's do as you say."

She realized that Steven had been keeping a subtle distance from her lately. In a situation like this, it was best to go along with what he wanted. Perhaps by moving out, she could use this time apart to her advantage. Once they weren't together every day, maybe Steven would remember what he saw in her.

Having sorted it out, Jessica smiled softly at Steven. "Make sure to take care of yourself properly since I won't be around."

"You, too," Steven replied with a smile.

To make sure Cody wouldn't miss his first day at a new kindergarten, Steven hired a moving company that evening to transfer all of Jessica's and Cody's belongings to the new house.

Now, only Steven remained in the large, empty villa.

With Jessica and Cody gone, he felt lighter and more at ease. But as he glanced around, he was struck by a sense of loneliness.

It was something he hadn't felt before, not when Annalise and Zachary were around.

...

At home, Willow joined her coach, Howard, for her usual run. Afterward, she was about to go off on her own when Howard stopped her.

He told her that she had built up enough strength, and it was time to start working on martial arts basics.

Willow's eyes sparkled. She eagerly took my hand and practically pulled me toward Howard excitedly.

Zane trailed behind us.

What started as a one-student job for Howard turned into teaching three of us, but he didn't seem to mind one bit. In fact, he was thrilled, and he carefully corrected each of our movements with extra dedication.

By the end of the session, I was drenched in sweat. When I looked at Willow, I saw her clothes were also soaked through. Her soft hair clung to her cheeks, and her dainty face was flushed red.

She lay sprawled on the ground, taking in air with big gulps. "Mommy, I can't go anywhere right now. Just let me lie here and rest."

I chuckled and scooped her up. "Let's go rest in the living room."

Willow was so worn out it was hard to even answer. "Okay."

Zane had something to discuss with Howard, so the two of them stayed outside and talked in the yard.

Kids recovered fast. Within ten minutes, Willow was her usual, lively self again. Seeing that I hadn't quite caught my breath, she turned to me with a considerate smile. "Should I continue practicing in front of the mirror, Mommy?"

I followed behind her. "Go ahead."

Determined to get better, Willow stared at her reflection and focused hard.

"Hello. Could you please be my friend?"

I stood by the doorway and watched her. Willow was still just a kid, but there was resolve in her eyes that most adults didn't have.

My eyes softened, filled with pride and admiration.

When she had run through everything she wanted to say, she turned and walked over to me. "Mommy, can we practice my spelling now?"

I took her hand and walked to the living room, where I picked up her workbook and started going through it with her.

Willow was smart, learned quickly, and was very focused. She seemed afraid of forgetting what I taught her, so she jumped off the couch with her textbook and kept reciting it. Finally, confident she had it down, she handed me the book and said, "Mommy, test me!"