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?"

wanted to record everything they said and did. One day,

as I was focused on what was best for Willow. "If you think kids need privacy, and I shouldn't have recorded it, I'll

Zane replied, clearly on my side. "Right now, our goal is to help Willow get better. Besides, she's only five years old-she doesn't have any

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 avoided looking into their eyes and instead focused on her small, chubby

deep breath, reminding herself over and over that they were just ordinary stuffed toys, not real

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

tears started to fall. "I'm scared you'll hate me. I'm afraid that when you look at me, all you'll

face you. Last time, told Mommy about it. She said you love me and wouldn't blame me.

en

heavy weight on her chest had lifted,

...

she saw Zane, she beamed and asked, "Daddy, why are

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

leaned toward me.