The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Zane brought me to his office, which was pretty spacious. In addition to his desk, there was a wall that was lined with shelves packed

mostly with finance books

Meanwhile, there was a white screen divider that separated an area filled with a set of tables and chairs. The compartment wasn't completely closed off from the rest of the office, but it seemed like it was where Zane took his breaks. He led me over and casually said, "You can sketch here until Willow finishes school."

"Sounds good," I replied

Then, I sat down and opened my laptop before I started sketching my first meeting with Willow. I couldn't help but smile as I created a drawing of her. It was just so comforting to be around her.

Soon enough, I lost track of time. But I finally managed to capture all our special moments together, alongside the sketches I'd done over the last few days. Now that I had finished it, I stretched and prepared to kick back. "Are you done?" a voice called out.

I turned to see Zane standing behind me, and I got up in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

wrap up so quickly,

"It's lunchtime. I was going to ask you to join me, but you looked so into it that I figured I'd wait. Didn't think you'd wrap up

Zane explained.

I checked the time on my laptop-it was already 12:30 pm. I hadn't eaten much that morning, and my stomach was rumbling- Feeling a little embarrassed, I walked over to him. "Let's go."

e menu signs one by

The cafeteria on the second floor was huge, and it was filled with a great selection of tasty food. I looked over the one, trying to decide what to get

Most times, I would be cooking at home, rarely ever eating out. It was only after 1 became Willow's mom that I started dining out with them every now and then.

Finally, I turned to Zane and asked, "Any recommendations?"

"I sure do." He then took me to the sauté station and ordered a few dishes, saying, "These are some of their specialties."

After the chef stated the price, Zane automatically paid with his card

Do you eat in the cafeteria every day?" I asked.

"Not really," Zane said with a smile. "Since I'm not that busy today, I figured I'd bring you here and let you check it out."

I felt a bit nostalgic. "I used to eat at the school cafeteria, but this is my first time back in since I started working."

Honestly, I didn't have much work experience.

The cafeteria wasn't busy at this h

shour, and there were plenty of empty seatsThis content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

Zane took me to a corner table and said, "Our company has an art department. I can check if they have any openings that might be a good fit for you."

I could feel his kindness when he said that he wanted to help me find a part-time job so that I could make extra money.

"Thanks, but I've only just finished the sketch, so I still have to color it. It'll probably take me a while before I'm able to post the Inished pieces online," I said. Imances.

"I just hope you get a chance to make some extra money before you become famous," Zane explained. He was concerned about my

I gave him a gentle smile. "I'm already eating and living at your place. Besides, you also cover my expenses for my clothes and daily