The plan was simple-install a walkie-talkie inside one of Willow's dolls so she could directly chat with her grandparents through it. It wouldn't take long before Willow felt comfortable speaking to them without any intermediaries.

The thought brought a smile to my face.

Watching this little girl, whom I cared for with all my heart, gradually open up filled me with indescribable joy.

After sharing her excitement, Willow cheerfully said, "Mommy, I'm heading to bed now."

I stood up with her, but she explained earnestly, "Grandpa and Grandma are keeping me company tonight. So, you can take a break."

I watched as she hugged her two oversized dolls and huffed her way upstairs.

She was still just a little girl, and the dolls were almost too big for her to carry at once. But she didn't ask anyone for help.

Willow's independence warmed my heart even more.

Knowing we had plans with Penelope and Willow tomorrow, I turned to Zane and said, "I think I'll need to work late tonight."

Zane nodded. "Go ahead."

"Okay." I carried my laptop to the living room and got to work.

Over time, I had become much more efficient at drawing. Whether it was sketching or coloring, my speed had improved, and the quality of my work was noticeably better.

After finishing my immediate tasks, I continued pushing forward, trying to get ahead.

Zane sat across from Annalise, watching.

She was completely absorbed in her work. Her serious and dedicated demeanor exuded an indescribable charm.

Zane couldn't help but think about everything Annalise had been through since he first met her.

She had been betrayed by her husband and child. Though deeply hurt, she hadn't let her past define her. She found a way to move on and build a new life.

He admired that about Annalise.

He wasn't ready for her to notice his feelings, so he forced himself to look away.

But at that moment, he made up his mind. He had to pursue Annalise and make her his wife. To ensure Annalise wouldn't face trouble from his family after marrying him, Zane thought he should probably have a word with them in advance.

...

Meanwhile, Steven had arrived at Jessica's home and sent the driver away.

As Jessica looked at Steven, her eyes glistened with subtle tears. She seemed unwilling to let him see her looking so vulnerable. She lowered her head and said, "I know you're busy. I shouldn't have bothered you."

Steven gazed at Jessica. She had always been bright and confident, yet his irresponsibility had gradually turned her into someone timid and hesitant.

"It's fine," Steven replied.

Jessica looked up.

"I'm sorry, Jessica," he suddenly said.

Jessica was confused by his sudden apology.

"I've been questioning myself lately," Steven explained. "I kept wondering if the person I truly love is Annalise. To figure it out, I asked a lot of people for their opinions. And they all said that I love you."

He didn't know why, but after he said those words, a heavy frustration weighed on his chest.

Jessica blinked, clearly surprised that so many people were siding with her.All content is © N0velDrama.Org.

Steven continued, "But I've been ignoring you, and that's not fair."

Jessica shook her head quickly. "I don't mind."

"But I do." Steven chuckled softly. "Jessica, from now on, I promise to focus on us. I'll come home every day starting tomorrow."

Jessica had found their recent separation surprisingly peaceful. But she couldn't reject Steven's decision outright.

After all, she needed time to convince him-slowly but surely-that she was the one he truly loved.