The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 510

I was stumped by Willow's bluntness. She continued, "I'm guessing Penelope told you about it?"

I did not deny it. "Yes."

"The bullying did happen," Willow confessed now that she knew I had heard about it. "But I've grown stronger since I started training and stopped caring about what others say about me.

"If they tease me, I tease them right back. If they call me names, I'll do the same to them. Plus, I don't think they can beat me in a fight."

She sounded pleased with herself, adding, "I handled the matter on my own, so I didn't feel the need to bring it up to you, Mommy." For good measure, she clarified, "But I promise I wasn't trying to keep it a secret from you." "I'm so proud of you, Willow," I said as I pulled her into my arms. "You handled the bullying splendidly despite your young age."

She gave me a shy smile.

I asked, "Are you angry with Penelope for telling me about the bullying incident?"

thing if she got picked on because we're

had ratted them out to their parents, but Willow was different. She was mature

cheeks and kissed her forehead. "You're

blushed as she asked, "You think

murmured with a small

tired out, for she stopped responding to

en novelxo

demeanor was the opposite. She used to be a loner who refused to speak to anyone and tended to be a

our first meeting, yet she had become a confident little girl whose smile could light up the

suddenly grateful to have a daughter like

...

the study and stared longingly at Willow's bedroom

join him for

himself for