The Unveiled Rose

Zane's question left me puzzled. I couldn't help but ask back, "Why would I mind?"

Zane understood that if a woman truly loved a man, she would naturally develop a sense of possessiveness toward him. My indifference signified that I didn't love him—not yet. Though disappointed, Zane reminded himself not to rush things. He smiled faintly, "You're right."

...

After dropping Suzy off at her home and ensuring Liam wasn't lurking nearby, Zane and I finally drove away.

When we got home, Willow rushed into my arms the moment she saw me. "Mommy!"

I bent down and scooped her up. "What's up?"

Her tiny face pressed against my shoulder as she excitedly said, "Do you remember the goal I set in front of you before?"

"You said you'd be able to communicate with people other than me and Daddy within a month."

"That's right! And look! It hasn't even been a month, and I've already achieved it." Willow looked at me, her eyes sparkling. "I'm so amazing, right? Don't I deserve a reward?" She truly was remarkable-setting goals and working diligently toward them step by step.

"What reward would you like?" I asked softly.

Willow leaned closer and whispered, "Mommy hasn't slept with me for a long time. Can you sleep in my room with me tonight?"

How could I refuse such a heartfelt request? "Of course."

"Yay!" Willow wriggled out of my arms and dashed upstairs.

I followed her up the stairs and, remembering something, turned back to Zane in the living room. "I'm going to sleep with Willow tonight."

He nodded. "Alright."

In Willow's room, I shut the door and heard her cheerful singing coming from the bathroom. She must have been overjoyed her voice was light and playful even as she bathed.

I sat on the bed, waiting for her patiently. After finishing her bath, Willow diligently practiced speaking in front of the mirror before approaching me.

When I extended my arms to hug her, she held up a hand to stop me.

"Mommy, I haven't read my book yet."

I lowered my arms, watching as she pulled out a phonics-based book and carefully sounded out the words. To my surprise, she recognized most of the characters without hesitation, fluently reading entire sentences without any mistakes. Once she finished her daily routine, she nestled against me on the bed. "It's always the best when I'm with you, Mommy."

I ruffled her soft hair. "Is that so?"

"Of course!" Willow replied earnestly. "You're the best mommy in the world. When I'm with you, I feel like no matter what I do, you'll always understand and accept me. It makes me feel really safe."

She snuggled against my side and hesitated before continuing. "Mommy, there's something I've been struggling with. Can I ask you for advice?"

"Of course," I said, smiling. "What's troubling you?"

"Well," Willow began honestly, "when I talk to Grandpa, Grandma, and Penelope, I imagine them as the custom dolls we have, and that helps me speak normally. But we haven't made dolls of everyone else I meet."

Her voice grew softer as she went on, "And I've been thinking-there are so many people in the world. Am I supposed to have a doll made for every single person I only meet once or twice?

"Obviously, that's impossible. So, Mommy, how can I talk to other people without needing dolls?"

I knew this was a big question for a little girl like Willow. Stroking her hair gently, I said, "It's actually very simple."

Willow looked up at me expectantly.