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?"

a while ago," I answered calmly. "Before I divorced Steven, they did too many awful things. I just wanted to record everything they said and did. One day, I'll release all the recordings and videos. It'll be my way

as I was focused on what was best for Willow. "If

on my side. "Right now, our goal is to help Willow get better. Besides, she's only five years old-she

couldn't bring herself to speak when she thought of the dolls as Dorothy and Milton. She even avoided looking into their eyes

breath, reminding herself over and over that they were just ordinary stuffed toys, not real people. Gradually, her tense emotions

After Daddy and Mommy's

understand why, but as soon as she mentioned the past, tears started to fall. "I'm scared you'll hate me. I'm afraid that when you look at me,

you. I didn't dare face you. Last time, told Mommy about it. She said you

en

weight on her chest had lifted, and she felt much lighter. Finally,

...

Zane, she

as he was fully aware of his own appearance. When it came from his daughter, it made him feel like his

toward me.