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.

had made a friend and was getting along well. I got back into the car with Zane,

didn't start drawing immediately. Instead, I found myself reflecting on

I wanted to draw Willow's determination, hoping it would inspire others who might be

clarity and purpose within themselves for

that my comics could have a purpose beyond simply recording life.

work with a new sense

...

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

away from his desk and left

smile to himself. Having worked with Zane for years, it was surprising to

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

Zane nodded lightly. "Good."

and ongoing projects within the Huxman Group,

would be particularly interested in the next

been finalized. Only minor adjustments are

said, "Do you

the proposal from his folder and handed

through it