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.

I hadn't tried my steak yet and quickly encouraged me, "Mommy,

little girl, she loved sharing with others, whether it was delicious food 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 approval, and the meal

though it was already dinner time. Steven felt at a loss. Worried that Zachary might be hungry, he gently knocked on the door. "Zachary, come on out for dinner." "No," Zachary replied, still

but the evidence was clear. Jessica had treated Zachary

starving, Steven reassured him. "I

the door and gave Steven

nodded. "Let's grab a

need to set her straight

I could still see her as my real mom." Zachary loved Jessica so much that he

arms. Zachary's eyes were red from crying, looking like a little bunny's. They stopped before Jessica's door, and Steven raised his hand to

Steven's voice. She had

along

faded immediately.