The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 573

Milton stood on the balcony and looked at Zane. "How's your relationship with Annalise going?"

Zane thought carefully for a moment before answering, "Very good."

Milton smiled and said, "While we take Willow out to play, you should use this opportunity to improve your relationship with Annalise. Both of you would usually focus on the child, and you don't have time alone. You can't even have a proper conversation." Zane shook his head and replied, "No. We're often alone together at the company too."

"It's not the same," Milton said without explaining how it differed.

When Milton heard Willow's voice, he quickly responded, "Okay, I'm coming!"

Then he patted Zane's shoulder and said, "Trust me."

Zane looked at Milton in confusion, not understanding what he meant. However, he replied, "Okay."

Milton left the balcony, went to the bedroom to grab his suitcase, and left with Dorothy and Willow.

...

remained in the

indeed subtly shifted-it seemed

"Finally,

work piled up these past

only accumulate if I didn't catch up

across Zane's face, but he didn't stop

I turned

devoid of any

end, he held

a mountain of work, and everyone wanted to finish quickly. If he pushed too hard, it might

hoped Annalise could do whatever she

wouldn't be right if he became the

...

broken only by the clinking of empty bottles rolling

as he might to focus on

around him, her hands tenderly caressing his face. She whispered, "Have you been drinking again?" Even knowing she was just a figment of his imagination, Steven couldn't bear to shatter the illusion. He

sighed and rose.