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?"

record everything they said and did. One day, I'll release all the recordings and videos. It'll be

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

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

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

a deep breath, reminding herself over and over that they were just ordinary stuffed toys,

Grandpa, I'm sorry. After Daddy and Mommy's car accident, Grandma Rowena told me

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, all you'll see

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. Is that

en

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,

...

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

fully aware of his own appearance. When it came from his daughter, it made him feel like his entire world brightened. With

and leaned toward me.