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 help

placed the remote aside and squatted

say anything. She drooped her shoulders and slowly walked upstairs, glancing back at me every few

I followed her upstairs.

quickly. After I spent some time playing with her in

and said, "Mommy, I really

you, too," I said, hugging Willow and

bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth while I helped her find clothes to

name

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

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

practicing, I didn't want to disturb her, so I quietly

the bed, her eyes filled with confusion. "Mommy, is it true that as long as I'm willing to

course, Willow!" I

finally relaxed.

confidence, so I picked a story about how hard work led to

mood also lifted. By the time

left her room and gently