The Unveiled Rose

Steven held himself back eventually.

Jessica said softly and sweetly, "I'm so happy right now."

Steven responded perfunctorily, "Me, too."

...

As usual, I was up early to wake Willow.

After Willow left her room, she immediately went to find Zane, and we ran several laps around the yard. Then, I accompanied Willow to take a bath.

After several days of training, Willow had gotten used to it. Now, though she was tired after running, she could still chatter with me.

She stood obediently as I bathed her. "Mommy."

I continued cleaning her up. "Mm?"

"I feel like I'm different lately," Willow said happily.

I asked in surprise, "How so?"

Willow gave me an example. "Before I started training, if someone said something terrible to me, I would sulk and feel really sad. Now, when they bully me, I just think that once my body is stronger and I know how to fight, I'll beat them all up one by one." Willow said with a smile, "Then, I'd be happy."

"That's right." I helped her put on her clothes. Looking at her rosy face, I noticed her eyes were full of joy. "Our Willow is getting better and better!"

Willow, feeling embarrassed, threw herself into my arms.

I took the opportunity to give her a kiss.

Willow's eyes lit up like crescent moons, her face beaming with happiness.

...

When we went downstairs, breakfast was already prepared.

Willow's body hadn't fully recovered yet, so she couldn't eat anything too greasy. Therefore, breakfast was kept light.

She ate her meal seriously.

Zane looked at me. "Wait for me in the car today. I'll take her in myself."

Before I had a chance to answer, Willow spoke up, "No, Daddy. I want Mommy to send me off."

Zane didn't compromise, simply staring at Willow.

"It's okay, Zane." I could roughly guess what Zane had done. "I've told you. The past is the past, and I don't care about it anymore. So, you don't have to worry. It won't hurt me."

Zane explained, "I'm just worried Jessica might cause trouble for you."

I chuckled. "Do you think I'm afraid of her?"

After repeatedly confirming that I wouldn't be affected, Zane reluctantly agreed.

I dropped Willow off at the school gate, and after watching her enter the classroom, I was about to leave with Zane.

Holly hurriedly caught up. "Mr. Huxham, are the rumors about Cody's mother in the school coming from you?"

Zane stopped and calmly replied, "Last time, when Willow faced the same issue, you said you were concerned about affecting the children's studies, so you waited until after school to resolve it, right?" His tone was calm, betraying no hint of emotion. Holly paused and answered, "Yes."

"Since that's the case, then you should wait until after school to resolve it this time, too," Zane suggested. "Otherwise, it feels like you're favoring Cody. And deliberately letting my daughter suffer."

He emphasized the last part.

Holly froze.

Zane strode away, and I followed him.

Zane's expression was still cold when he sat in the car.

I gently patted his arm. "It's all been resolved now."

"Mm." Zane closed his eyes.

He didn't want to talk, and I didn't press him. I looked out the window at the passing scenery.

But then, Zane suddenly spoke up, "Just thinking about how Willow had suffered a lot before she was unwilling to speak up and I didn't know about it, it makes me feel like I'm failing as a father."