The Unveiled Rose

I couldn't help but feel speechless when I thought about that moment. "Did he forget why we got divorced in the first place? It's specifically because he loved Jessica." Zane remained silent.

Suddenly, something occurred to me. I hesitantly asked, "Do you think..."

Zane raised an eyebrow, curious. "What?"

"Do you think he came over just to show off how well he and Jessica are doing?" I couldn't think of any other reason for Steven to come and talk to me.

Zane nodded thoughtfully. "It's possible."

I rolled my eyes. "How childish!"

At the end of the workday, Sasha rushed into the office to tell me that her friend had invited her out to hang out, so she was leaving.

Before I could respond, she was already out the door.

Looking at her back, I shook my head. After I gathered my things, I followed Zane out to pick up Willow.

...

Willow got out of school on time. As for Penelope, her parents didn't show up again.

Zane called her parents, telling them that Willow was very fond of Penelope. He suggested that when we picked up Willow, we could also take Penelope home with us. We had expected them to refuse, but to our surprise, they agreed immediately. Zane, taken aback by how smoothly everything went, put his phone away and told Willow, "Her parents agreed. Let's go."

Willow happily grabbed Penelope's hand. Though she couldn't speak, she excitedly pulled her forward.

Penelope happily climbed into the car with her.

The two kids sat in the backseat with me, while Zane sat in the front passenger seat.

Penelope chattered nonstop, talking to Willow. Though Willow couldn't respond verbally, she kept nodding, showing she was listening.

I couldn't help but smile as I observed their interaction. It seemed like for a child as young as Willow, being with peers made her much happier.

Back at home, Willow followed her usual routine and began her training with Howard. Before starting, I asked Penelope if she wanted to join. Penelope glanced at Willow, then at me, and said, "Sure."

So, the training group gained another member.

After the session, Willow returned to her room, quietly practicing speaking and reading.

Meanwhile, I sat with Penelope in the living room. Since we weren't very familiar with each other yet, I tried to bring up topics to talk to her about.

"Why do your parents always come so late to pick you up? Are they really that busy with work?"

Penelope responded sweetly, "No. Their jobs are easy. But after my dad and mom divorced and he remarried, they just don't care about me as much anymore."

I was surprised. "If they don't care about you, why do they still send you to such a good kindergarten?"

Penelope answered without hesitation, "That's because my mom paid for it. At first, my mom gave the money to my dad directly. My dad enrolled me in a cheaper kindergarten. "When my mom found out, she was pissed. Then, she was afraid my dad might keep the tuition for himself, so she paid the teacher directly."

Despite being so young, Penelope seemed to understand everything that happened between her parents. "My dad was fed up, so he purposely started picking me up late every day.

"He wants me to feel upset and tell my mom. Once she steps in and talks to him about it, he'll surely tell her that if she doesn't give him the money, he won't take care of me." Penelope lifted her chin proudly. "I know what they're thinking, so I won't let them get what they want."

I hugged her gently. "You're so smart."

Penelope smiled smugly. "Of course!"

"Do you miss your mom?" I looked into her eyes.

Penelope didn't speak right away. After a long pause, she nodded. "I do."

I cautiously asked, "Should we take you to your mom's place tonight?"