The Unveiled Rose

Zane enjoyed his food, looking all elegant and sophisticated as ever.

I was so bloated by the time we finished eating. When we got back to the office, I plopped onto the couch, took out my phone, and checked how many dolls I managed to sell today.

The sales increased every day. It was the same for the other merchandise. The sales went from zero to hundreds, and it was only on this platform.

I opened the other platforms and saw that my merchandise was highly sought after by the readers. I reaped what I sowed, after all.

Rubbing my belly, I sat and waited until I thought the food was digested before I continued coloring.

I only stopped working when Zane reminded me that it was time to pick Willow up. After heading downstairs and exiting the building, I glanced around warily. I sighed in relief because Steven wasn't there. After arriving at the kindergarten, Zane and I waited for about three minutes before Willow appeared at the entrance.

When she saw us, she scurried over to me. I found it odd why she didn't come out of the building with Penelope today. After all, Willow and Penelope were the best of friends.

As I wondered what had happened, I saw Penelope running into Suzy's arms with a huge smile. She held Suzy's hand, and the two of them left.

Fearing that I would misunderstand, Willow quickly explained to me, "Penelope said her mom wants to take her out to have fun together. That's why I didn't chat with her after school just now."

I was relieved to hear that. Thank goodness Willow and Penelope didn't get into a fight.

Willow got into the car and sat on my lap. "Mommy, I'm so tired."

"What did you do at school today?" I asked, concerned.

Willow shook her head and said, "It's not because of school. It's because I have to pretend the other kids at school were dolls."

She continued, "It was fine at first, but I had to pretend that everyone else, including my classmates and teachers, were all dolls. It was so tiring that my head hurt!"

She pouted, her lower lip protruding.

I gently massaged her temples and said, "You must be exhausted."

Willow felt much better after letting it out, and she said, "It's a great idea, though."

She straightened her back and looked at me, her eyes shining with eagerness. "I can now talk with lots of kids in my class, but Penelope is still my best friend."

Willow continued sharing her day, "Penelope was very worried that I wouldn't like her anymore after I talked to the other kids."

I couldn't help but be amused by how naive children were. They never bottled up their feelings. They would tell anyone everything.

"What did you tell her, then?" I asked.

Willow looked proud of herself. "I told her that I liked her the most when I couldn't talk. I said that it wouldn't change even after I started talking to the other kids. She isn't worried after I told her that." Willow giggled, and I caressed her chubby cheeks.

"Mommy, can I be good friends with Penelope forever?" Willow asked.

I gave it some thought and said, "You can if you want to!"

"That's great!" Willow smiled so brightly that I could see her teeth.

...

After Zachary got into the car, Harry said, "Hannah and I talked to your mother after we took you to school. We told her she was too cruel to you."

Zachary straightened his back at the mention of Annalise. "What did Mommy say?"

Harry was reluctant to burst Zachary's bubble, but he still answered frankly, "She asked us if we knew what you did to her."

With his head hung low, Zachary muttered, "I betrayed Mommy."

After a while, he said, "If someone treated me the way I treated her, I would not be able to forgive them, either."

Harry was puzzled now. What did Zachary do to Annalise? Just how terrible was it?