The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

The present stood nervously after finishing their report, bracing for Zane's usual scathing critique. To their surprise, Zane merely pointed out the issues calmly and offered suggestions for improvement,

Walking back to the seats, they looked dazed When had Zane become so approachable? Could this really be the power of love?

Each subsequent report received the same treatment-cal, constructive feedback. There were multiple glances exchanged across the room, and an unspoken message was shared among the tram "May Zane and his girlfriend last forever" Once the meeting ended, everyone left swiftly and silently, as it by mutual agreement

","Zane called out as Eric moved to leave. "Stay behind"

Eric paused, unsure of Zane's intent, but couldn't resist a bit of gossip. "So, Annalise gave you a pil?"

Zane's pride was unmistakable as he replied, "She did. But she's just pretending to be my girlfriend, not actually agreeing to date me

Eric raised a brow."Mr. Huxham, think about it-why would she pretend with you and not someone else? It means she must like you at least a little."

Zane's lips twitched into an uncontrollable smile. "Really?"

Eric nodded solemnly. "Of course. If you don't believe me, ask Sasha."

room. After

responding carefully. "That she

Sasha blinked in confusion. Had

illustrations and

now, the number had doubled to toothsand-and that was on

had

and was stunned to find

also skyrocketed. With half the month still to po, over 15 thousand had already been sold. By month's end, I estimated that figure could reach to thousand That

without counting the salary Zane gave me, I was already earning over joo thousand dollars. Adding in my other

a deep

doubled, by now, over to thousand items had been sold, and

thousand dollars Adding to Zane's salary to the mix,

just two months, muy pre-tax earnings would total mean

Ch, heaverd

and feed myself to calm down. It