The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Willow said, "You should shower, too, Mommy. When you're done, let's meet in my room!"

I smiled and replied, "Got it."

Then, Willow happily skipped away to her room. Zane said wistfully, "Willow didn't approve of our marriage."

Upon seeing how upset Zane seemed, I gently caressed his cheek. I said, "Willow is just a child; she's used to the status quo.

"If you suddenly told her that a major change would happen in her life, it would be difficult for her to adjust. It's normal that she'd worry, too. You know that, don't you?"

Zane nodded, knowing that Willow was a mature girl. Trying to console Zane, I said, "Let's take it slow. One day, she'll approve of our marriage."

Upon hearing that, Zane's mood got better. He said, "You're right. I've waited for years, so there's no hurry."

I asked confusedly, "Waited for years?"

I wasn't sure what Zane meant. In response, Zane calmly replied, "I meant I've lived as a bachelor for many years, so there's no hurry for me to get married immediately."

However, judging from his expression, I could tell Zane was getting impatient. Instead of pointing that out, I said in agreement, "You're right.

"I guess I'll head off to shower, then? Willow is waiting."

Zane reluctantly said, "Okay."noveldrama

Upon seeing that, I chuckled and said, "No matter what happens, we'll eventually get married. Just remember that."

Zane's expression lightened up. He replied, "Got it."

By the time I went to Willow's room, she had finished her shower and was tucked away in bed. When she saw me, she quickly signaled me to join her in bed.

"Here, Mommy!"

And so, I lay down next to Willow. She gently embraced me and said, "Mommy, it's not that I don't support your marriage. I'm just a little

scared."

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I patiently listened to her, knowing full well that what she needed was to talk about her feelings. I asked, "What are you afraid of?"

Willow whispered, "I'm not Daddy's child, and I'm not your child either. If you get married and have your own baby, will you still want me?"

Willow didn't dare to tell Zane about her concerns. She was worried he might think that she was selfish, and would criticize her for overthinking. But Willow could tell her mother because she knew that Annalise would understand her.

I calmly replied, "Of course we'll want you. You're adorable, and you've become so cheerful and independent. We can't find any other girl who's as good as you are.

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"Even though we may not be related by blood, Daddy and I will keep you by our

sides. Plus, you're somewhat related to Daddy by blood."

Willow gazed at me and asked, "Am I that good?"

I chuckled and said, "Yeah. You've always been amazing."

When Willow heard that, she couldn't help but grin. She continued to voice her concerns, but her mood improved.

"Will you still treat me well?"

"Let me think. How should I answer that?"

I embraced Willow's petite frame. She found a comfortable position in my arms

and said, "Take your time. There's no rush, Mommy."

"Okay," I said, rubbing my cheeks against Willow's head.

I continued, "You're such a good girl, Willow. Think about it-did Daddy ever

neglect you because you weren't his biological daughter?"