The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 173

"But to me, teaching you to read is resting," I told Willow gently. "Do you understand?

"So, don't worry. You won't wear me out. Mommy isn't that fragile."

Willow still looked uncertain. "Really?"

I nodded. "Of course."

Finally reassured, Willow smiled, grabbed my hand tightly, and pulled me outside to join her for a run.

Zane followed behind us. His usually cold gaze softened with a hint of warmth.

...

After our exercise, we all freshened up and then took Willow to school. She entered the school gates but didn't head straight for the classrooms. Instead, she stood at the entrance, as if waiting for someone.

A few minutes later, a girl with pigtails got out of a car. Willow immediately ran over to her. The two girls held hands and bounced around happily.

The little girl was chatty, talking nonstop, while Willow listened coolly, responding with occasional nods or shakes of her head.

that Willow had made a friend and was getting along well. I got back into

drawing immediately. Instead, I found myself reflecting on Willow's behavior these

my next comic. I wanted to draw Willow's determination, hoping it would inspire others who might be feeling

I could help others find clarity and purpose within themselves for them to see through their

the first time, I felt that my comics could have a purpose beyond simply recording

in mind, I dove into my work with a new sense

...

how focused Annalise was on her work, and it seemed to put him at

from his desk and left the office, heading to the

disturbing Annalise and couldn't help but smile to himself. Having worked with Zane for years, it was

then handed Zane a file. "The custom plush toy you asked for

Zane nodded lightly. "Good."

briefed him on the significant partnerships and ongoing projects within the Huxman

be particularly interested in the next update, Eric subtly

been finalized. Only

his fingers on the table and said, "Do you have a copy? Let me take

Eric pulled the proposal from his folder and handed it

skimmed through it and then