The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Zane passed the book he was holding to the cashier.NôvelDrama.Org content.

I held Willow's books and her hand, standing nearby as we waited. "You know, it just hit me that I haven't given Willow anything since I met her. So these books are my gift for her."

Zane didn't say a word. After paying, he took the books from my hands and headed to the car. Even though Willow couldn't read yet, she was curious about what was inside the books. She excitedly urged, "Daddy, let's go home and read!"

"Sure." Once we buckled our seatbelts, Zane quickly started the car and drove off.

Steven had grabbed the books the kids needed from a different bookstore. As he headed to his parents' place, a thought crossed his mind, and he turned to look at Jessica

Jessica noticed his gaze and raised an eyebrow. "What's going on? Is something up?"

"You said Annalise takes that little girl to kindergarten every day now, right?" Steven asked, deep in thought.

Jessica nodded. "Yeah."

Steven looked away. "Got it."

Jessica thought he was finished when he surprised her by saying, "T'll take Zachary to school on Monday morning"

She perked up right away. "You want to see Annalise?

"No way." Steven shot back without missing a beat. "I'm done with her, so why would I want to see her?"

"Then why do you suddenly want to take Zachary?" Jessica asked.

Since she and Steven got together, she'd been the one driving the kids to and fro school. So when Steven suddenly offered to take Zachary, it was no surprise that she was overthinking things. "She was my

wife once..." Steven paused to take a deep breath. "I can't just stand by and watch her go down the wrong path, right?" Jessica stayed silent. Steven added, "But if I try to help her and she ignores me, then whatever happens next is on her." Jessica finally eased up. "Yeah,

Steven finally felt a weight lift when he saw that she understood him. He gently patted her hand before turning his gaze back ahead. When we got home, Willow set up a bunch of snacks and a fruit platter, though I was the one who washed the fruit. Zane had the job of cutt She spread a small cloth on the carpet, laid out the food, and then pointed to a spot next to it. "Mommy, you sit here."

I walked over and sat where Willow pointed. She snuggled beside me, pulled out a picture book, and asked me to read to her.

Zane was supposed to be working upstairs but brought his laptop to the living room Maybe he couldn't resist the peaceful vibe down here. He worked while keeping an eye on Willow.

Theld the picture book and read stories to Willow while she happily munchied away and listened. Worried that I might strain my throat, she kindly held a piece of watermelon to my lips. "Mommy, open up!

I smiled and took a bite, giving her a big hug "Thanks, Willow."

"You're welcome," Willow replied sweetly.

Time slipped aw

in the peaceful atmosphere, and night had fallen before we knew it

After freshening up, Willow looked at her backpack with a worried expression. She needed to take it to school tomorrow

"Willow, what's bothering you? Lasked. It was unusual to see her

Inveldert. I was already aware of that Zane told me she had autism

"Meaniny, I only talk when I'm with you or Daddy"

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