Chapter 161

Annie's POV

I stood on the porch with Howard, waving goodbye to Sue. Penny,and Thomas. Thomas wasn't just Lucy's gymnastics coach anymore; he'd also taken on the role of Sue's bodyguard. I noticed when he helped Sue into the car, their fingers briefly touched, and Sue's cheeks flushed with a soft pink hue. Interesting. I thought to myself, there seemed to be some sparks between them.

"Sue, remember to bring Penny to school early tomorrow for rehearsal!" I called out gently.

Sue nodded with a smile. "Of course, I've already adjusted my work schedule. Thank you both for your hospitality tonight."

"You're welcome. Feel free to visit anytime," Howard responded politely,his hand resting naturally against the small of my back.

Thomas opened the car door, escorting Sue and Penny inside before taking his place in the driver's seat. The car pulled away slowly, disappearing into the night.

We turned and went back inside, closing the front door behind us. Lucy was already standing at the foot of the stairs in her pink pajamas, waiting for us.

"Finally done with the guests!" she exclaimed cheerfully, her little face beaming with anticipation. She grabbed my hand, skipping happily.′′Mom,can you sleep with me tonight?"

I glanced at Howard, remembering what Penny had revealed earlier about Lucy being bullied at school. This would be the perfect opportunity to speak with her privately. Without hesitation. I replied. "Of course.sweetheart."

Howard walked behind us, deliberately slowing his pace. an exaggerated look of disappointment crossing his features. "What about me? No invitation?" His tone carried an obvious note of teasing. but I could hear the tenderness beneath it.

Lucy stopped and turned, looking confused. "Does Dad want to sleep with us too?" She looked Howard up and down, then glanced at her small bed,giggling. "But Dad, my bed is too small for three people! Unless you want to sleep on the floor."

Howard laughed. ruffling Lucy's golden hair. "I'm just kidding, princess.You and Mom have a good chat. I still have some work to finish." He winked at me. and I knew he was giving Lucy anad me space to be alone.

"Where's my goodnight kiss?" Lucy tilted her face up expectantly toward Howard.

Howard bent down and placed a gentle kiss on Lucy's forehead."Goodnight, my little princess." Then he straightened up and left a kiss on my cheek as well. "Don't stay up too late," he whispered to me before heading toward his study.

Lucy tugged at my hand, eagerly leading me to her room. Her bedroom was decorated with beautiful fairy tale themed wallpaper, with several small illustrations I'd drawn for her hanging on the walls. Since we'd both already showered, she climbed directly into bed, patting the space beside her."Mom,come on!"

I lay down beside her, the covers filled with the faint scent of children's shampoo. Lucy immediately snuggled close, draping one arm across my waist and one leg over mine, clinging to me like a little koala.

"Is there anything special you'd like to talk about tonight?" I asked softly.running my fingers through her soft golden hair.

Lucy remained silent for a moment. as if gathering her thoughts."Mom,I have a question I want to ask you."

"What is it,sweetheart?"

She lifted her head, her big blue eyes looking directly into mine. "I don't know why. but when I see you and Dad getting along so well. I feel a little uncomfortable." She paused for a moment. "But what's strange is that deep down. I also want you two to have a good relationship. I'm confused about what I'm feeling."

Her question caught me by surprise. I'd been prepared to discuss the bullying at school, already thinking about how to advise her. But this was what was truly troubling her.

I gently rubbed her back, thinking about how to respond. "Perhaps it's because before your father andI became close, you felt that our attention was focused entirely on you?"

Lucy furrowed her small brow, seriously considering this possibility.

I continued explaining, "But after we became close,you might feel that we're paying too much attention to each other and not enough to you? This makes you feel somewhat neglected,doesn't it?"

Lucy's eyes brightened, and she nodded eagerly. "Yes,that's exactly it!How did you know,Mom?"I smiled and hugged her tighter. "Because many children feel this way.But no matter how the relationship between your father and me changes.one thing will never change-that is our love for you. Can you feel that love?"

"Of course!" Lucy answered without hesitation. "Dad always plays with me.and you tell me stories every day." She smiled shyly. "I guess I shouldn't feel uneasy about this,right?"

"Your feelings are always valid, and you don't need to apologize for them,"I kissed the top of her head gently. "But remember, in a family, love isn't like a cake that gets smaller when divided-it's like stars-the more there are, the brighter it gets."

Lucy's face lit up with understanding. "Mom, you're so smart! I always thought that if you loved Dad, you might love me a little less. But that's not how it works,is it?"

"Not at all," I confirmed with a smile.

Lucy sighed contentedly, then suddenly laughed. "Mom, you're right.When you have problems, you should ask adults for help. Otherwise,if I just think about it myself, I might worry for a long time."

"You can always come to me with any questions in the future," I promised."I will always listen, and everything I know, I'll tell you without holding anything back."

"Okay," Lucy nodded, then added, "but I don't have any other questions now."

She looked so innocent, and yet I knew there was another issue we needed to discuss. I hesitated for a moment before asking softly,"Lucy, I heard someone's been bullying you at school. Is that true?"

Lucy's body neticeably stiffened. She didn't answer immediately,instead asking. "It wasn't the teacher who told you, wasit?"

I wasn't sure how to respond but decided to remain honest.′′fI'm not mistaken. was it Penny who told you?"

I nodded. "Yes. it was."

Lucy sighed in relief. "I thought so." She didn't seem angry or upset, but calmly admitted. "It's true, there are a few children who say mean things.But you know what? Since I started working out with Thomas, my physical condition has improved a lot, and I can handle these things myself now."

"How do you handle it?" I asked curiously.

"It's simple." Lucy said confidently. "If they talk about me, I talk back. If they insult me, I give it right back, word for word. And if they try to push or hit me?" She shrugged. "They can't beat me anyway."

I couldn't help but laugh, feeling proud of her courage yet pained that she had to face such challenges at such a young age. "Our Lucy is really amazing.Soyoung and already so strong."

"It's nothing." Lucy smiled shyly. "I've already solved these problems myself, so I didn't think it was necessary to tell you and Dad. But I definitely wasn't trying to hide it from you."

I hugged her. "I understand. But promise me, if things ever get out of your control,you'll tell us,okay?"

"I promise," Lucy nodded seriously. Another question occurred to me. "Does it bother you that Penny told me about this?"

Lucy shook her head without hesitation. "Of course not. If the same thing happened to Penny, I would make the same choice she did. Because we both genuinely want what's best for each other."

I felt a warmth spreading through my chest. Lucy's answer showed a maturity and empathy far beyond her years. I cupped her small face in my hands and kissed her forehead tenderly. "Our Lucy has really grown up."

"Really?" she asked shyly.

"Yes, absolutely," I affirmed.

Lucy smiled happily. then yawned. We chatted a little longer, and gradually her eyelids grew heavy until she finally fell asleep peacefully, her small hand still clutching my nightgown.

I gently brushed the golden hair from her forehead, studying her sleeping face in the dim light of the bedside lamp. Since I first came to this home,her features hadn't changed much, but she as a person had transformed completely. The once introverted, silent, sometimes unapproachable little girl had become confident, cheerful, her face constantly radiating happiness.

Looking at her steady breathing and rosy cheeks, my heart filled with an unprecedented sense of fulfillment. I never imagined I would have such an intelligent, brave, and kind daughter. Although we shared no blood relation, at this moment I felt that our connection was deeper than any biological bond.

I softly kissed her cheek. Watching Lucy's peaceful sleeping face,I decided to keep my promise and stay by her side tonight.

Tomorrow would bring many busy activities waiting for us.