The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 334

Zane saw the curiosity and excitement written all over my face and couldn't help but smile. "Why don't you check your phone and take a look at your bank balance?"

Following his words, I pulled out my phone and opened the banking app. My balance had increased over 200 thousand dollars.

"It was initially over 300 thousand dollars, but after taxes, you got just over 200 thousand dollars in your account. As for the comprehensive benefits package, the company handles all that, so no need to worry."

I still found it hard to believe. "That's a lot already. It's my first time earning this much through my own efforts."

Looking at Zane, I added, "Turns out, earning my own way brings a real sense of peace. I don't have to worry about anyone taking it away with some excuses or explaining where every penny goes. If I want to save it, I'll save it. If I want to spend it, I will. It's my freedom." For a brief moment, I regretted not taking this step earlier. Life could've been so much better.

Feeling a surge of happiness, I smiled. "Since I'm in such a good mood over my paycheck, Zane, what do gift do you want? I'll get it for you."

Zane, who wasn't short on money and could buy anything he wanted, hesitated before saying, "How about a fountain pen?"

"Sure." I remembered I had also promised to buy books for Willow and hadn't done it yet.

Grabbing my bag, I headed downstairs.

Before leaving, I glanced around to make sure no unwelcome people were lurking. Once satisfied, I walked to the nearby bookstore.

Inside the bookstore, I browsed through the Grade One textbooks: language and math. Knowing that textbooks alone might not be enough to teach Willow, I also picked a few workbooks to help her grasp the concepts more solidly.

At the checkout counter, I asked the cashier, "Do you sell fountain pens here?"

She pointed at a nearby shelf. "All of them are over there."

Carrying the books, I approached the shelf. The pens ranged widely in price, from just a few dollars to over 10 thousand dollars. My eyes landed on the price tag, and I hesitated for a moment, feeling a pang of reluctance. After much consideration, I decided to go for it. After all, without Zane's suggestion to start drawing comics, I wouldn't have found such a great side job or earned this much money.

I chose a sleek black fountain pen and brought it to the cashier. As she scanned the item, she glanced at me and remarked, "This pen is really expensive."

I knew she was trying to be helpful in case I had picked it by mistake. Smiling, I replied, "I know."

After scanning it, she told me the price. I pulled up the payment code on my phone. The cashier completed the transaction, still looking slightly surprised. "I can't believe someone actually bought something this expensive."

Carrying the bag, I stepped out of the bookstore. Jessica appeared out of nowhere, approaching me with a pointed look. "Are those things for Steven?"

I hadn't expected to run into her here. Calmly, I replied, "Why would I buy anything for my ex-husband?"

She looked confused. "But didn't you love him so much?"

Raising an eyebrow, I said, "Sure, but after the divorce, I stopped having any feelings for him."

Jessica didn't seem convinced. "Annalise, don't be stubborn. I know you're still upset about what I did in the past. I admit I was wrong.

"From now on, I'll give up on Steven and return him to you."

She looked like she had more to say.