Chapter 183
I wasn’t feeling tired yet, so I went upstairs and grabbed my laptop. Then, I settled down and started focusing and sketching the designs Zane’s company needed.
When Zane saw what I was doing, he went to his study and got his own laptop. Then, he began working on the files he needed to review.
Since I already had the concept in my mind, it only took me half an hour to finish the initial sketches. But I still wasn’t satisfied, so I created three alternative options. Once I was done, I let out a sigh of relief and turned to Zane, who was sitting across from me. “I’m done with the sketches. Who do I submit them for review?”
Zane stood up and walked over to my back. He leaned down and took my mouse in one hand, while his other hand landed on my keyboard.
It felt like I was completely trapped within his arms.
Zane calmly said, “First, log into this site and upload your sketches. Then, just submit them.”
He clicked through the process smoothly before glancing at me with an apologetic look. “Did I overstep?”
He was so casual about it that if I said he did, it would sound like I was reading too much into it.
I shook my head. “No. It’s fine.”
Zane straightened up. “You’ve been working hard for a while. You should get some rest.”
“Okay!” I quickly packed up my laptop and headed upstairs.
…
Zane watched Annalise’s retreating figure with a soft smile forming at the corner of his lips.
…
Knowing Willow would wake up early, I made sure to get up half an hour ahead of time. I opened her bedroom door quietly and was surprised to find her already practicing in front of the mirror.
Then, she practiced her spelling. Finally, she picked up her book and recited the words carefully. After making sure she had the pronunciation right, she read the whole sentence aloud.
She was confused about some of the words, so she looked up at me. I took the time to explain each once. Once she understood, she continued her practice.
Today felt a little different from before. Willow showed some restraint. After reading for more than ten minutes, she stopped. She realized that if she continued, her throat would start to hurt, so she set the book down. I took her hand and led her downstairs.
Zane was already up. The three of us gathered in the yard for our usual morning exercise routine. After Willow finished her run, she flashed me a bright grin.
“Mommy, I’m so glad I have you.”
I squeezed her little hand. “I feel the same way, Willow. Meeting you has been the greatest blessing of my life.”
Zane calmly said, “Enough of these sentimental talks for now. We need to add some basic training to our routine from now on.”
Willow and I both turned to him in surprise.
Zane’s expression left no room for argument. “Come on. Follow me.”
He led us to the training room, where he stopped and turned to face us. “Start with the basic moves Howard taught you.”
Willow gritted her teeth, determined to push through. I had no choice but to follow suit.
Zane’s hand gently pressed against the underside of my arm, lifting it slightly. “Your arm is too low.”
I nodded and lifted my arm higher, following his instructions.
Then, he moved on to correct my leg position and so on.
After more than ten minutes of this, Zane left. I couldn’t help but steal a glance at him.
Did he hate me?
As if on cue, Zane turned and met my gaze.
I quickly looked away.
…
When the training finally ended, I was drenched in sweat. I led Willow upstairs and helped her clean up before I went to shower.
After I changed into fresh clothes, I headed downstairs. I found Zane sitting at the dining table, his face unreadable as he said, “If you do each move precisely, you’ll get twice the result with half the effort.” “Is that really how it works?” I asked in confusion.
Zane nodded. “Of course. So, don’t take it personally when I’m tough on you. I’m only doing it because I want you to do better.”