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.

seeing that Willow had made a friend and was getting along

desk, I powered on my computer but didn't start drawing immediately. Instead, I found myself reflecting on Willow's behavior these past few days-the way she set goals and knew what she wanted to

comic. I wanted to draw Willow's

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

time, I felt that my comics could have a purpose beyond simply recording life. I could use them to inspire people to

my work with a new sense

...

was on her work, and it

Zane stepped away from his desk and left the office,

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

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

Zane nodded lightly. "Good."

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

in the next update, Eric

finalized. Only minor

said, "Do you have

request, Eric pulled the proposal from his folder and handed it

it and