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?"

she said, "No. I'd do the same thing if she got picked on because

to their parents, but Willow was different. She was

cupped her cheeks and kissed her

blushed as she asked, "You

murmured with

beamed. We chatted for a while longer, but she must have tired out, for she stopped responding to

en novelxo

since we first met, but her demeanor was the opposite. She used to be a loner who refused to speak to anyone

meeting, yet she had become a confident little girl whose

suddenly grateful to have a daughter

...

outside the study and stared longingly at Willow's bedroom

found himself wishing she would and join him for a late-night chat. He

chided himself for being