The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 54

Chapter

54

Zane picked up the artwork and examined it thoughtfully.

Willow watched him eagerly. "So, what do you think?"

Zane went quiet. His taste didn't quite stretch to appreciating an entirely pink piece. But when he saw Willow's hopeful look, he hesitated for a long while before finally nodding. "It's nice," he said.

Happy with his response, Willow packed her books into her backpack, making sure not to leave anything behind. She double-checked before finally zipping it up.

Then, Willow took a seat and enjoyed the steak Zane had cooked for her. The well-done steak was tender and juicy. After taking a bite, she couldn't help but exclaim, "Daddy, you always make the best food!" "Thanks," Zane replied, happy to hear her compliment.

yet and quickly encouraged

or her joy, I cut a piece and took a bite while she watched closely. Then, I turned to her, my eyes wide in surprise. "Wow, this is really good!" Willow's happiness grew with my

be hungry, he gently knocked on the door. "Zachary, come on out for dinner." "No," Zachary replied, still angry. "You only trust Mommy Jessie, not me, You're not

the evidence was clear. Jessica had treated Zachary well. He just wasn't

starving, Steven

opened the door and gave Steven a

nodded. "Let's

wiped away his tears and grabbed Steven's hand. "You need to set her straight so she doesn't accuse

voice softened as he added, "If she could just treat me a bit better, I could still see her as my real mom." Zachary loved Jessica so much that he

held him in his arms. Zachary's eyes were red from crying, looking like a

the door with a smile at the sound of Steven's voice. She had thought he'd come by himself,

along

faded