Zachary wiped away his tears. "I didn't realize how much Mommy cared for me until I lost her."

He couldn't continue. The words caught in his throat, and he feared that if he spoke any more, the tears would come flooding back.

He stood up slowly. "Grandma, I'm really tired. I think I'll go to bed now."

As Chloe watched him walk into his bedroom, her expression hardened with anger.

She couldn't stand Jessica, who had promised she would treat Zachary well. That promise was the reason Chloe had supported Jessica becoming Steven's wife, replacing Annalise.

As soon as Jessica took her place, she started mistreating Zachary. She completely ignored everything she had promised Chloe.

Zachary must have been devastated, with his real mother cast aside and now, his stepmother mistreating him.

Chloe stood up slowly. It seemed she would need to have a serious conversation with Jessica the next day.

...

The next morning, I didn't immediately find Willow. Instead, I knocked on Zane's door first.

His voice came through, "Who is it?"

"It's me," I replied calmly.

When he realized it was me, his tone softened slightly. "Come in."

I hesitated, unsure if I should enter his bedroom. After a moment, I decided to say, "I'll wait for you on the balcony. I need to talk to you." "Okay," he responded.

After getting Zane's confirmation, I headed to the balcony and sat down on the lounge chair.

The morning view was especially beautiful. The dew on the leaves bent them, slowly dripping down.

My mood lifted immediately as I watched the peaceful scenery.

Zane walked up to me and asked, "What did you want to talk about?"

I turned to look at him and said, "I was so caught up with work yesterday that there were a lot of things I didn't clarify with you."

Zane raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

I replied, "I think you should find time today to ask Penelope if she'd be willing to help."

Yesterday, I had only expressed concern about Penelope not wanting to help and hadn't offered a solution.

Zane smiled. "No problem."Content is © by .

After saying that, he asked a question that had been on his mind, "When do you think it would be a good time to bring her grandparents over?"

I thought for a long time before answering, "I think today would be fine."

Once we reached an agreement, I went to Willow's room and knocked on the door.

"Willow," I called.

Willow's voice came from inside, "Mommy, you're late today. My practice is already over. Are you tired?"

I couldn't let Willow know what Zane and I had discussed, so I just nodded. "Yes, a bit."

Willow frowned. "If you're tired, you should rest properly."

She firmly added, "Let Daddy pick me up today. You should stay home and sleep in a little longer."

At that moment, I realized that telling one lie often led to many others. I smiled lightly. "No need. I woke up late because I overslept. I'll just get a headache if I sleep more." Willow still looked concerned. "Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Of course."

Only then did Willow relent. "Okay, then."

Although she said that, Willow kept glancing at me while running. She looked concerned that I might not manage, but she didn't say anything.

I kept up my usual pace, and only then did Willow seem to relax.

I couldn't help but smile at how considerate kids like Willow could be these days.

Maybe it was all the exercise, but Willow's well-being had improved a lot. She was eating more at breakfast now, and I was very pleased with that. Willow was growing, so it was important for her to eat well.