The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 157

Today, Howard gave her a day off to rest, so Willow didn't have to do any training. After finishing her meal, she lay on the couch, her little head resting on my lap, happily watching cartoons. Not wanting to miss out on Willow's growth, Zane also put down his work and sat beside me to watch TV with her.

"Daddy," Willow said, dissatisfied that Zane had interrupted her one-on-one time with me.

She sat up and looked at him. "You still haven't finished your work. You don't need to stay here with me. Otherwise, you'll have to work late again!"

Zane already had an excuse prepared. "It's fine. I can handle things at the office tomorrow. It'll be the same."

"I know you're worried I'll be alone," Willow said, wanting to be alone with me. She added firmly, "But Daddy, I have Mommy with me.

"I won't be lonely."

"No," Zane firmly countered. "Both parents should be present in a child's education. Only then can one develop a healthy and well-rounded character."

Willow pouted in anger. Her cheeks were puffed out as she looked at Zane. In the end, she reluctantly lay back down on the couch.

Willow's TV time was only half an hour each day. After turning off the TV, she bargained with me. "Mommy, can I watch one more episode?"

I couldn't

remote aside and squatted down

I wouldn't give in, Willow pouted but didn't say anything. She drooped her shoulders and slowly

I followed her upstairs.

quickly. After I spent some time playing with her in her bedroom,

said, "Mommy, I really

you, too," I said, hugging Willow and giving

the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth while I helped her

name

who she was introducing herself to. When I walked to the bathroom door, I saw Willow standing on a stool to see

full of unease. But she still mustered up the courage to improve and said, one word at a time, "Nice to

want to

"Mommy, is it true that as long as I'm willing to

I

finally relaxed.

confidence, so I picked a story

my mood also lifted. By the time I finished

left her room and gently closed the door