Chapter 227

There were many things that Zane and Annalise knew. Thus, Willow didn’t want to repeat herself again, as she feared that the two might think she was being too talkative. But Milton and Dorothy hadn’t heard her stories yet.
Excitedly, Willow shared everything that had been happening with her lately.
Milton and Dorothy, true to their robotic nature, responded with great enthusiasm.
As Willow talked, it got closer to bedtime, and she started to feel sleepy. Yet, her heart was light and content. She realized it was such a wonderful feeling to be able to talk freely to others. With a smile on her face, she said, “Grandpa, Grandma, I’m going to bed now. Make sure you rest well, too.”
Milton and Dorothy answered together, “Good night.”
“Good night,” Willow replied cheerfully.
Instead of going to sleep right away, she rushed out of her room. She stood by the railing and called out, “Mommy, I want you to put me to sleep tonight.”
I had been drawing. But hearing Willow’s request made me immediately set down my work. I walked upstairs to her side. “Alright.”
Willow lay in my arms. Her eyes were heavy with sleep, but she still insisted on saying, “When you’re with me, I’m the happiest little girl in the world.”
I leaned down and kissed her forehead. “That’s right. You are.”
…
Zachary returned to Chloe’s house. As soon as he opened the door, Chloe came over and asked, “Why are you always coming home so late?”
“I have my things to do.” Zachary knew Chloe didn’t like Annalise, so he didn’t intend to tell her what he was up to. Otherwise, she would surely try to stop him.
He said casually, “Mr. Thompson is with me, so you don’t need to worry.”
“Alright, then,” Chloe replied. Since he said so, she didn’t press the matter, though she did remind him, “If anything comes up that you can’t handle, make sure to tell me.” “Okay,” Zachary replied absently.
Chloe watched as he walked toward his room, then picked up her phone and dialed Steven. “Zachary just got home.”
“Okay.” Steven’s voice was neutral, showing no sign of emotion.
Chloe hesitated before asking, “Do you know what he’s been doing outside every day?”
Steven, though aware, kept the truth from her. “He didn’t tell me. But he’s rarely got his own plans, so just leave him be.” Although Chloe was still a little dissatisfied, Steven’s words left her with no choice but to compromise. “Alright.”
It was Sunday. Willow didn’t have to practice, so she spent the entire day playing joyfully.
All three meals were eaten out, and all the restaurants were ones Zane had recommended, so the quality was guaranteed.
I couldn’t tell if my cooking was just that good or if it was the extra touch of motherly love, but Willow kept shaking her head after every dish she tried. “None of these are as good as Mommy’s cooking.”
Then, she smiled at me and added, “Your food is the best I’ve ever had.”
I casually asked, “How about we go home, and I’ll cook for you?”
Willow wavered. Her eyes were fixed on me, clearly tempted.
But in the end, she held back and said, “You work so hard every day. It must be tiring. You finally have a chance to rest today. You should just relax. I can’t be selfish and make you do more work just because I want to eat your food.” I was taken aback. I hadn’t expected Willow-at just five years old to be so thoughtful of others.
“You’re so considerate, Willow,” Zane praised with a gentle smile.
Willow beamed. “Of course!”
The joyful time always seemed too short.
Before we knew it, it was time for school again. Willow woke up early. Seeing the two dolls on her bed, she seriously said, “Grandpa, Grandma, good morning.” Surprised, they asked, “You’re up this early?”
“Yeah, I need to practice,” Willow answered matter-of-factly. “Do you want to hear?”
Milton quickly responded, “Yes.”