Naturally, I couldn't joke around either. So, I straightened up and answered seriously, "In my opinion, marriage is a sacred thing, so

we can't rush into it

ging you to get married, and because Willow isn't accepted in your family.

"You chose to marry me because your family members are urging you

"Well, what if you fall in love with another woman, then? Are you going to divorce me?"

Zane had never liked anyone romantically before, so he wasn't sure if the situation I mentioned would occur.

"Besides..." Though what I said earlier was out of my consideration for Zane, I had to think for myself too.

"I just escaped an unhealthy relationship and was lucky to have met you two. Both of you treat me really well, and it was Willow who showed me how it felt to be loved.

"When I'm taking care of her, I can feel the emotional wounds Steven had inflicted onto me heal gradually. So, instead of taking a step further in our relationship, I think we should stay like this for now. What do you think?" Meanwhile, Zane pondered over my words seriously.

After a long while, he nodded and replied, "You're right."

As the car stopped in front of the kindergarten, I breathed a sigh of relief, because Zane had been persuaded by my words. After that, I got out of the car.

In the meantime, Zane knew that what I said previously was to dissuade him from marrying me. So, he asked, "May I know what the real reason is behind your rejection?"

I leaned against the door and smiled leisurely. "Does wanting to live for myself count as a reason?

Zane nodded. "Yes

"That's the answer that I wanted to hear most." Though he seemed like an aloof and distant businessman when he worked, he was actually caring and gentle at home. I laughed. "Thank you."

"No problem."Zane walked to the kindergarten entrance and waited for Willow.

Meanwhile, I stood next to him.

Just then, he seemed to remember something and told me, "But my mother might try to find out who the people around me are.

"Once she notices you, she might try to cause trouble for you.Property © of .

"Thope that if that happens, you'll tell me about it immediately. Let me solve those problems.

"Don't get mad and leave me secretly."

He was worried that Willow's condition would worsen if I left, but I understood what he meant and said, "Don't worry. I'll hang in there for Willow." After that, Zane smiled. "That's good."

Willow was finally dismissed from school.

In the past, she would always wave at me and smile brightly whenever she saw me. However, she lowered her head and remained silent this time. Both Zane and I looked at each other in confusion.

What happened exactly?

I took a step forward and prepared to ask Holly what had occurred. However, Zane beat me to it. "Did someone bully my daughter today?" The teacher looked rather

er upset, "Willow's mother had drawn something in her carried a loudspeaker and repeatedly blasted a recording during her break time. rbook, and though she hadn't said anything, Willow

"It said, 'My mother drew this for me. All her classmates went to check the drawing out, and they all admired her for having such an amazing mother."

20

Amid the other children, Zane was the only one who frowned.

If that was the case, Willow would've been very happy when she was dismissed from school.

Yet, Holly continued, "But after Zachary whispered something to her, she switched off that loudspeaker and leaned on her table sadly. She wouldn't say anything even when we asked her what was wrong"