The Unveiled Rose

"Yes," I replied, unsure why she asked but sensing she might need it. "Why?"

Willow let out a relieved sigh. "You scared me for a second.

"Penelope said Suzy didn't take anything when she divorced Liam. She left with nothing. Their life was really tough after that."

Willow looked directly at me. "Even though Zane is a good person now, that doesn't mean he won't change someday. So, if you and Zane ever get divorced, you can't be foolish and leave without a penny, okay?" Her earnest look was so endearing that I couldn't help but pinch her chubby cheeks. "And what should I do instead?"

Willow boldly replied, "Start saving now. And later, take some money from him when it happens. That way you won't have to live miserably."

Her thoughtfulness melted my heart. "But Zane and I aren't even married yet."

Willow was confused and tried to process the complexity of the situation. "But I call you mommy, and I call Zane daddy. Doesn't that make us a family?"

Willow's mind raced. "Could it be that daddt's afraid you'll take his money, so he won't marry you?"

Her expression turned serious in an instant. She spun on her heel and marched toward Zane's room. "Dad's so mean. I'm going to criticize him right now." I quickly pulled her back. "No, it's not like that."

Willow turned to look at me. "Then what is it?"

I paused, trying to simplify the explanation. "Two people need to be in love to get married."

Willow still seemed confused. "So, do you and daddy not love each other? Is it that you don't love daddy, or that daddy doesn't love you?"

I was at a loss of words and saw Zane approaching. Taking the opportunity, I nudged Willow forward. "Why don't you ask daddy?"

Willow immediately ran to Zane, wrapping her small arms around him. "Daddy!"

She repeated the same questions to him, word for word.

Zane glanced at me, then carried Willow into his study.

Willow blinked up at him expectantly. "So, can you tell me why?"

Zane knew this needed a careful answer. After a brief pause, he said, "Do you remember what life was like for Mommy before she came to live with us? Zachary didn't behave and was always helping Jessica bully her."novelbin

Willow's little face grew sad as she recalled those moments. Her heart had almost broken watching it happen. How could Zachary be so heartless when mommy was so kind?

She added angrily, "And Steven was always with Jessica too, making mommy sad every single day."

Her frustration was palpable as she recounted the past.

Zane, who was fully aware of Willow's deep affection for Annalise, chuckled softly. "Exactly. After coming out of such an environment, it's natural for her to hesitate. She's probably worried that marrying me could lead to the same disappointment Steven caused her." Willow's cheeks puffed up in indignation. "If you ever act like Steven, I won't call you daddy anymore."

"I won't," Zane said, his tone gentle as he reassured her. "I know exactly what I want."

Willow finally relaxed. "Good."

Her voice was wistful. "But daddy, how long do we have to wait before we can truly be a family with mommy?"

Zane spoke slowly, deliberately. "I'm working hard to win her over. If everything goes well, it won't be long."

Willow's eyes lit up with hope. "Really?"

Zane nodded. "Daddy wouldn't lie to you."

"That's amazing!" Willow threw her arms around him in excitement. "Do you need my help?"