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?"

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 of getting back

I did this?" I hadn't considered Zane's feelings, as I was focused on what was best for Willow. "If you think kids need

now, our goal is to help Willow get better. Besides, she's only five years old-she doesn't have any real privacy yet. When she gets older and needs space,

the two 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

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

sorry. After Daddy and Mommy's car accident, Grandma Rowena told me you'd hate

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,

been avoiding you. I didn't dare face you. Last time, told Mommy

en

out her thoughts, it felt as though the heavy weight on her chest had lifted, and she felt much lighter. Finally, she added, "Grandpa and Grandma,

...

joy. As soon as she saw Zane, she beamed

was fully aware of his own appearance. When it came from his daughter, it

toward me. "Mommy,