The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 262

Zane's question left me puzzled. I couldn't help but ask back, "Why would I mind?"

Zane understood that if a woman truly loved a man, she would naturally develop a sense of possessiveness toward him. My indifference signified that I didn't love him—not yet. Though disappointed, Zane reminded himself not to rush things. He smiled faintly, "You're right."

...

After dropping Suzy off at her home and ensuring Liam wasn't lurking nearby, Zane and I finally drove away.

When we got home, Willow rushed into my arms the moment she saw me. "Mommy!"

I bent down and scooped her up. "What's up?"

Her tiny face pressed against my shoulder as she excitedly said, "Do you remember the goal I set in front of you before?"

"You said you'd be able to communicate with people other than me and Daddy within a month."

a month, and I've already achieved it." Willow looked at me, her eyes sparkling. "I'm so amazing, right? Don't I deserve a

reward would you like?"

for a long time. Can you sleep

could I refuse such a

of my arms

the stairs and, remembering something, turned back to Zane in the living room. "I'm

He nodded. "Alright."

I shut the door and heard her cheerful singing coming from the bathroom. She must have been overjoyed her

bath,

hug her, she held up a hand

read my

watching as she pulled out a phonics-based book and carefully sounded out the words. To my surprise, she recognized most of the characters without hesitation, fluently reading entire

against me on the bed. "It's always

her soft hair. "Is

mommy in the world. When I'm with you, I feel like no matter what I do, you'll always understand and accept me. makes me feel