The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Meanwhile, Willow was in her bedroom. Her room was huge and decorated like a princess' room from an animated movie- exquisite and lavish.

She wore a princess gown and cradled a bunny plush toy, her back facing the door as she sat on the carpet silently.

Zane was eager to lighten up her mood. "Willow, look who's here."

Willow turned around, ignored him, and stayed silent. He couldn't help but turn to me with a helpless look.

Although this was my job, I had always wanted a daughter. Besides, Willow looked like an adorable princess. As such, I started to take a liking to her.

Pretending to be grumpy, I said, "Oh, so Willow doesn't want me here."

Once she heard my voice, she quickly turned around, shot up, and hurried to me. Then, she shook her head.

I crouched down to meet her eyes. "Why aren't you talking to me? Do you dislike me? Is that why you're not speaki{

Willow was ready to shake her head again, but perhaps worried I would misunderstand her intentions, she said, "No. I like you a lot."

"And I like hearing you talk. Would you chat with me

adult,

be too much to ask of her to initiate conversations with me. Thus, I took the lead. "I heard you haven't been eating lately. Are you hungry?" Willow lowered her head, her dainty fingers patting

a smile. "Let's go

but seemingly afraid I'd be upset, she enunciated,

then, Zane seemed to

was ready to bring her to the dining area when she

I asked, "What's

head and asked somewhat embarrassingly, "Can you

was about to say yes when Zane

big eyes

looking in stark contrast to his usual

and her body hasn't fully recovered yet. Do you know how much she will be in pain if she carries you?" Honestly, I was surprised by Zane. I didn't expect a

Mommy. I'm a bad

melted at the sight of her tearful

behind Zane, held Willow's hand, and softly consoled her, "It's okay, Willow. Don't

gazed at me, uttering,

you understood and felt sorry for me, didn't you? You didn't insist I