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

atmosphere had indeed subtly shifted-it seemed

"Finally, we have some

a lot of work piled up these past few days," I

didn't catch up on work soon. "I

but he didn't

I turned and

of any lingering hesitation.

the end, he held his

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

Annalise could do whatever

right if he became the one influencing her,

...

surrounded by silence broken only by the clinking of

to occupy his mind, Annalise's face consumed his thoughts. Try as he might to focus on anything else and push her from his mind, his efforts were

gently 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 nodded.

and rose.