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."

Willow." I held her hand. "And I like hearing you talk. Would you chat with

adult, she sighed.

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

into a smile. "Let's

seemingly afraid I'd be upset,

Zane seemed to

to the dining

I asked, "What's

asked somewhat embarrassingly, "Can

to say yes when

big

in stark contrast to his usual

know

words, Willow cried, "I'm sorry, Mommy. I'm a bad kid. I didn't think you'd be

melted at the sight of her tearful

held Willow's hand, and softly consoled her, "It's okay,

at me,

tears with another hand. "But you understood and felt sorry for me, didn't you? You didn't insist I carry you anymore, did you?"