The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 194

Zane asked calmly, "Hmm?"

I was a bit confused. "Didn't I mention it? I put a small recorder inside the dolls."

It was clear that Willow didn't want us to hear what she was saying to Dorothy and Milton.

Naturally, I respected her privacy. I had no intention of listening to the recording myself. When the time was right, I would just have Zane pass it on to Dorothy and Milton for Willow.

Zane was surprised to learn I had prepared so much in advance. "When did you do this?"

I replied, "Just earlier, when Willow was upstairs talking to herself in the mirror."

He asked again, "When did you buy the recorder?"

they did too many awful things. I just wanted to record everything they said and did. One day, I'll release all the recordings

was focused on what was best for Willow. "If you think kids need privacy,

Besides, she's only five years old-she doesn't have any real privacy yet. When she gets older and needs space, we can

dolls at the head of her bed and stared at them. For some reason, she couldn't bring herself to speak when she thought of the dolls as Dorothy and Milton. She even

herself over and over that they were just ordinary stuffed toys, not real people. Gradually,

long silence, she finally said, "Grandma and Grandpa, I'm sorry. After Daddy and Mommy's car accident, Grandma Rowena told me

"I'm scared you'll

she continued, "That's why I've been avoiding you. I didn't dare face you. Last time, told Mommy about it. She said you love me and wouldn't blame me.

en

Willow poured out her thoughts, it felt as though the heavy weight on her chest had lifted, and she felt much lighter. Finally, she

...

she saw Zane,

When it came from his daughter, it made him feel like his

toward me. "Mommy,