The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 283

Whether from the run or something else, Zane would always find something wrong with my form somehow. I followed his corrections obediently. He continued adjusting my other positions, and I made each change he suggested. Finally satisfied, he pulled back, unable to hide his smile. Maintaining perfect form made the workout even more exhausting. Seeing how much I was sweating, Zane handed me a towel and asked, "Am I being too hard on you?" I turned to him. "Not at all."

"Good." He finally relaxed.

I watched his retreating figure curiously.

Willow tugged at my hand. "Mommy, let's pick my clothes!"

She and Penelope had agreed to wear purple today. However, since they would be playing games and doing activities at kindergarten, a dress would not work. After some thought, I picked out a light purple tracksuit. Willow tried it on excitedly before twirling in front of the mirror. "Mommy, you have amazing taste!"

"Of course!" I chuckled and said, "Now, breakfast time!"

Willow responded enthusiastically, "Okay!"

When she first started talking to Milton, Dorothy, and Penelope, she had been so excited that she would chatter endlessly. After running out of things to say later, their relationship normalized, and she grew even closer to me. At breakfast, she kept putting food on my plate. "Here, Mommy. Eat this!"

"Thank you." I would move my plate over and let her place some food there before eating slowly.

afterward, I caught her stealing glances at me. Seeing her hesitation,

heard

sensed her

money till

was going, but I let her

still stay home and be my mom then?" she asked pitifully.

lost one

one to stay by

work for your family?" Instead of answering

softly.

widened in

said it," I said seriously. "So whether it's

future,

you don't hate

eyes crinkled as she hugged me.

and