The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 236

Annalise poured all her energy into managing the home. Even though Steven earned money, she was careful never to spend it frivolously. In fact, she was always focused on saving, ensuring they had enough set aside for emergencies. Sadly, all the money Annalise saved never ended up being used by her. Instead, it was spent on Jessica. Even Steven found himself putting more effort into Jessica than he did with Annalise.

A complex, indescribable emotion surged within Steven.

Annalise had given her heart, yet she had never been repaid.

When Jessica noticed Steven's silence, she ended the call.

Steven couldn't stop thinking about Annalise's gentle smile, and his heart ached uncontrollably.

Zane sat in the living room, waiting for Willow to come downstairs. When she didn't, he sighed and said, "Ever since she started talking to Milton and Dorothy, she barely talks to us anymore." I was working on a drawing at the time. After hearing Zane's comment, I looked up at him with a smile. "Are you jealous?"

Zane looked puzzled. "Aren't you bothered by it?"

"Hmm..." I thought carefully about how to answer Zane's question. "When I first became a mother, I did feel a strong sense of possessiveness. I wanted my child to be the closest to me." Zane raised an eyebrow.

"As I watched my child grow, meeting new people and playing with others, I saw how lively and happy he was. It made me realize something."

I turned to Zane. "If you keep your child too close, they can't grow. It's important to give them space and respect their independence."

Zane chuckled. "You really have come to terms with it."

I raised an eyebrow. "I've always been like this."

After finishing her chat with Milton and Dorothy, Willow skipped downstairs, heading toward us. "Mommy, Daddy, time to eat!"

Like a little whirlwind, she quickly finished her meal and dashed back upstairs.

Zane didn't try to hide his envy.

I continued working on my comic, adding color to the details.

After catching up on work progress during the day, I spent time drawing full-body sketches of the three main characters. As a result, I didn't finish the coloring work that day. Once I got home, there was still a lot to do.

Zane sat next to me, casually flipping through a book. "Don't you think your days have started to feel repetitive? All you do is spend time with the kids and draw," Zane said.

"Isn't that what daily life is all about? Besides, I actually enjoy it. Even though every day feels the same, the comic's story keeps progressing, and the fan base is growing, too. I believe that if I keep working hard, I'll have a great future, right?" I said with a smile. Zane calmly responded, "Yeah, I guess."

...

Zane was careful not to let Annalise see what was on his mind, so he turned his gaze elsewhere.

What troubled him now was how to move forward in his relationship with Annalise.

After finishing her work, Annalise bid him farewell and went upstairs to bed.