Semua Bab The Reclaimed Rose: Bab 151 - Bab 160

"She said it didn't hurt Willow that deeply with the rumor, right? Let's hope she feels the same when the same thing happens to her son."I nodded. "I feel at ease that you have a plan.""What if I didn't?" Julian asked.Chuckling, I responded, "You're so smart, and you care so much about Willow. There's no way you'd stand by and let her be wronged."When Julian heard this, his eyes softened.…At the kindergarten entrance, Luna showed up especially early today when normally, she would arrive quite late.As soon as Julian and I arrived, she hurried over to us.Though furious, Luna had no choice but to lower her head. "Mr. Hughes, because of the rumors you spread, my son is being ostracized at school.""Well, he's not that affected," Julian replied coldly, tucking one hand in his suit pocket. His eyes were frosty and devoid of any warmth.Without thinking, Luna retorted, "How could you say that? None of the kids dare approach him anymore. He was so upset he lay on his desk sob

I looked at her and asked, "What are you thinking about?""I just suddenly realized that whether it's Zach or Mason targeting me, you and Daddy were always the ones who handled things for me. I've never really solved anything by myself," Willow said in a low tone.Julian held Willow's hand. "You're still a kid. Of course, you can rely on us."Actually, he wished he could do even more for Willow. After all, it was just a matter of years before she went to university. She might even move to another city.By then, even if he wanted to help her, he wouldn't be able to."But I'll grow up. That's why I want to work on becoming more independent now." Willow shared her thoughts."Having that kind of mindset already shows that you're growing up, Willow!" I encouraged her.Willow giggled. "But there's a problem right now.""Oh?""I can't talk to other people," she said softly.She had been trying very hard to change. At kindergarten, when she saw Cynthia, she reminded herself to greet

The first step was to avoid doing anything that would make Shayne uncomfortable, like keeping her distance from him and not touching him.Luna let go of Shayne, who visibly relaxed. "Luna, I know you're upset right now."Luna walked over to the couch and sat down before looking at him, who was standing across from her. "But I understand that I just have to endure it."Shayne stood silently for a moment. "You've been through a lot. How would you like me to make it up to you?"Seeing that stepping back improved Shayne's attitude toward her slightly, Luna sighed in relief. It seemed her spur-of-the-moment decision had been the right one. "You know what I like; just choose something for me.""Alright. Mason must be having a hard time in class lately. What do you plan to do about it?"Luna couldn't think of a solution, and tears welled up in her eyes. But she refused to let them fall. "I don't know."Seeing her on the verge of tears, Shayne said, "I have two options for you."Luna s

Eric gave her the day off, so she didn't need to train.After dinner, she sprawled on the couch. With her head resting on my lap, she watched cartoons.Not wanting to miss out on Willow's growth, Julian put aside his work and sat next to me to watch TV with her.Willow wasn't happy about Julian disrupting her one-on-one time with me. She sat up and looked at him. "Daddy, you have to work to finish. You don't need to stay here with me, or you'll work late again."Julian already prepared his answer. "It's fine. I can handle it at the company tomorrow—it makes no difference.""I know you're worried I'll feel lonely by myself, but I have Mommy with me, Daddy. I won't be lonely," Willow said firmly, trying to justify wanting alone time with me."Nope. Both parents need to be present for the children so they grow into healthy and well-rounded people."Willow puffed out her cheeks in frustration and glared at Julian.In the end, she lay back down on the couch reluctantly, clearly unh

He drove back to the home he had shared with Aralyn for six years and pushed open the door.The house was pitch black.Shayne instinctively called out, "Honey, I'm home. Why didn't you come to greet me? Are you feeling unwell?"As he took a couple of steps, he suddenly remembered that they were divorced.Shayne slumped onto the couch despondently, glancing around the living room. He told himself he shouldn't feel sad.They had been together for so many years, but the person he had always loved was Luna. Now that his dream had come true, he should have been happy. But why couldn't he feel a shred of joy?Shayne placed his hand over his chest. He didn't understand.Just then, his phone buzzed. He answered it absentmindedly—the call was from Luna.In the past, when he came home late and Aralyn called to check on him, he would never say much, but he always secretly looked forward to hearing from her. He would even smile unconsciously. But now, all he felt was irritation. "What?"