Chapter 136

Annie's POV

When morning light streamed through the curtains, I slowly opened my eyes, memories of last night's intimacy with Howard-starting on the balcony and continuing in this very bedroom-bringing a warm flush to my cheeks. I carefully slipped out of bed, trying not to disturb Howard who was still peacefully asleep beside me.

After getting ready. I went to Lucy's room and found her already awake,focused on her morning reading. Seeing me, she quickly set her book aside and began circling around me with unusual curiosity.

"What are you doing?" I asked, amused by her peculiar behavior.

Lucy tilted her head, her golden hair catching the morning light as she examined me with wonder. "Mom, you look different today!" she declared.

"Different how?" I asked, quickly checking my hair, worried I'd missed something in my morning routine.

"You were sad these past few days, but today you look like you've figured everything out. Your smile is pretty," Lucy said thoughtfuly.

I ruffled her blonde hair. "You're very observant, my little angel."

"Did I guess right?" Lucy asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Yes," I nodded in confirmation."I was worrying unnecessarily about certain people. But now I realize he belongs in the past. I should forget about him. Even if he appears in front of me every day, I shouldn't let him affect my mood." As I spoke, Philip's face flashed briefly through my mind, but I quickly banished the thought.

Lucy's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "MAom,you have such a good temper!"

I basked in her compliment, smiling. "I just don't see the point in adding unnecessary stress to our lives. Especially when we're so happy as we are."

Lucy launched herself into my arms with enthusiasm. "Mom, you're awesome! I didn't want to bother you the past few days because you looked troubled. Now I can spend time with you again!"

I couldn't resist affectionately pinching her soft cheek. "I would love nothing more,sweetheart."

Lucy handed me a hair ribbon. "Mom, can you braid my hair in that pretty style?"

"Of course," I agreed. I had learned many hairstyling techniques online,always hoping to style a daughter's hair someday. With Philip, I only had Brian, so these skills went unused. Now with Lucy, I finally had the opportunity.

When I finished the braid, Lucy looked in the mirror and gasped in delight. "Who is this cute little girl? She's so pretty!"

Her self-compliment brightened my mood even further. "I think she might be a member of our family."

Lucy turned to me and said in a grown-up tone that still carried childlike innocence, "Then you're very lucky!"

The adorable contrast between her mature phrasing and childish delivery made her all the more endearing.

I couldn't help but pinch her cheek again. "Yes, everyone must be jealous that I have such an amazing daughter,"

Lucy nodded solemnly. "Other kids must be jealous that I have such a good mom too. Mom. I love you."

I hugged her tightly. "I love you too,darling."

After breakfast, we prepared to take Lucy to school. Howard decided to join us today. In the car. Lucy snuggled against me and whispered,"Mom,I've been really happy lately."

My arm wrapped protectively around her slender waist. "Why do you say that?"

"My classmates noticed I'm talking now, and they're all curious to chat with me," Lucy explained. She paused, seeming to search for the right words. "There was this one classmate who was worried that once the novelty wears off, the other kids might stop paying attention to me. She came up to me and said the other children's interest is just temporary,and once this phase passes, they'll go back to playing with each other."

Lucy continued, her tone surprisingly light, "I asked her, 'So what?' She told me not to cry when that happens. I said, 'So you're worried I'll be sad?That's so thoughtful of you!' Then I thanked her, and she ran away blushing."

I glanced quèstioningly at Howard, our eyes meeting in mutual understanding. As adults, we both recognized the hostility behind that child's words,yet Lucy had innocently misinterpreted it as concern. Ifelt torn-telling Lucy the truth might hurt her, but not telling her could leave her vulnerable to future pain.

Howard gave a slight shake of his head, and I understood his meaning.Perhaps Lucy's carefree attitude was actually her best shield, naturally deflecting negativity.

Lucy noticed our silent exchange. "Mom, Dad, why are you both so serious? What are you thinking about?"

I smiled and pinched her cheek gently. "I just think you handled that very well. When I was little. I always ran to adults to solve my problems. But our Lucy already knows how to handle things herself."

Lucy smiled proudly, showing her neat little teeth.

Still feeling I should offer some guidance, I continued, "But Lucy,remember... if others don't bother us, we shouldn't bother or bully them.But if someone bullies us, we must find ways to protect ourselves.Understand?"

Lucy nodded seriously. "Yes, Mom. But ever since Max left our class, all the other kids have been nice to me."

I sighed with relief and smiled. "I know. I just happened to think about it and wanted to remind you. I want our Lucy to be happy every day and not be affected by other people's negativity."

Lucy responded earnestly, "I'll remember that. Don't worry, Mom, I won't let anyone bully me!"

I offered one more piece of advice, "Whenever you encounter problems you can't solve yourself, don't try to tough it out alone. Be sure to tell us,and we'll help you solve those problems,okay?"

Lucy looked at me, her eyes full of trust and love. "Okay, Mom."

Her response reminded me of Brian. When I hadn't yet given up on him,whenever he faced difficulties, I would patiently offer advice, but he would always impatiently reply, "YouI've said the same thing a hundred times, do you have to keep repeating it?" Initially, I thought he was just being

childish, but as his complaints continued, I realized he genuinely disliked my concern. so I learned to remain silent.

Now, faced with Lucy's extraordinary tolerance, I found myself able to express freely without fear of rejection.

Suddenly. I worried that perhaps Lucy was just being polite and might privately find me annoying too.

Before I could ask, Lucy seemed to read my thoughts. "Mom, kids in my class often complain their moms talk too much and nag... but when you tell me these things. I don't mind. I can hear the love in your words. It makes me happy knowing someone cares about me and loves me properly.

Lucy sat up to hug me. "They don't know how lucky they are."

I felt a warm current flowing from my heart as I responded, "I was just worried I might be talking too much and you wouldn't like it."

Lucy shook her head firmly. "I like it very much."

I hugged her tight. People oftena say Lucy has improved because of my patient companionship, but what they don't realize is that I'm also healing from the trauma of Brian's rejection through Lucy.

Gently nuzzling Lucy's cheek, I whispered, "I'm lucky to have such a wonderful daughter."

"Me too," Lucy answered proudly.′′y mom is the best mom in the whole world!"

Howard let out a small cough beside us, asking in his cool voice with obvious feigned jealousy, "Oh, so before you met your mom,did Dad not

love you?”

Lucy buried her face in my embrace and said softly, "You loved me,but Dad didn't like talking to me." She peeked at Howard with one eye. "And I'm just a little kid. I didn't know how to talk to Dad."

Howard raised an eyebrow, his tone humorous. "What about now?"

Lucy answered without hesitation, "Dad loves me too. My dad is the best dad in the whole world!"

At the Upper East Side Private Preschool, Lucy spotted Penny waiting at the entrance. She quickly opened the door, calling out, "Penny!"

The two girls joined hands and walked toward their classroom, chatting excitedly. I watched with joy, hoping this friendship-Lucy's first since she'd started speaking again-would last.

Then I saw him-Philip standing near the entrance, watching the children.My expression darkened instantly.

Howard, sitting beside me, noticed my sudden change in mood. "Did you see him?" he asked softly.

"Yes," I answered calmly, working to control the anger in my voice. "Didn't he already abandon Brian? Why is he still coming to the preschool?"

I reminded myself that he no longer deserved any emotional investment from me.