The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)
Chapter 155

So Jessica thought that the first step was not to do anything that would make Steven dislike her. For example, keeping a distance from him and not touching him.

She released Steven.

Steven sighed in relief. "Jessica, I know you're outraged right now."

Jessica walked to the couch while speaking in a considerate tone, "But I know..." She sat down and looked at Steven. "I'll have to endure this."

Steven stood opposite her. "I'm sorry that you've been wronged. What kind of compensation do you want?"

Jessica noticed that Steven's attitude toward her had softened when she gave him space. She finally breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed like her spontaneous decision was right on. "You know what I like. So, just get it for me."

"Okay." Steven casually asked, "Cody's recent school life must be tough, right? What are you planning to do about it?"

Jessica honestly couldn't think of a solution.

Tears welled up in her eyes, yet she refused to let them fall. "I don't know, either."

Steven watched her cry and said, "I have two solutions."

Jessica sat up, instinctively trying to hold Steven's arm, but stopped herself. "What is it?"

Steven said seriously, "He can transfer schools. If he goes to a new school where no one knows him, he can live like a normal kid. Or he can take a few days off. By the time he returns, the other kids will have forgotten about it." Jessica thought for a long time before finally making a decision. "Let's have him take a few days off."

Cody would have to adjust to a new environment if they transferred him. She was afraid he wouldn't be able to cope.

Steven nodded. "Okay."

...

When they got into the living room, I figured the elderly couple finally had a chance to spend time with Willow, so I decided to give them some time alone and went upstairs. After Dorothy saw me leave, she took Willow's small arms and couldn't stop admiring her. "Our Willow has grown so big in the blink of an eye."

Willow obediently stood before her, and a voice in her heart told her to answer Dorothy. But she just couldn't speak, unable to make any sound. In the end, she could only nod. "That's so wonderful." Dorothy had been hospitalized because of heart problems, but when she saw Willow, she instantly felt better. "Are you happy living with your dad?" Willow nodded again.

The elderly couple continued to ask about Willow's health, and she nodded or shook her head in response, never showing any impatience.

...

I stood on the stairs, looking at them and feeling a sense of relief. Suddenly, my sleeve was tugged.

I turned my head and saw Zane gesturing for me to follow him. I looked back at Willow, but thinking that Zane had something to say to me, I retracted my gaze.

I followed him to the balcony and asked, "What is it? Do you have something to say?"

"Mm." Zane smiled and shared the progress with me. "The dolls modeled after her grandparents will probably be ready the day after tomorrow."

I sighed. "I really hope our plan works. That way, she'll be able to chat normally with her grandparents, and she can tell them openly that she's always loved them."

Zane chuckled. "It will work, Anna. When I first brought Willow to my side, I thought to myself, I don't need anything else. I just want her to be able to speak to me. You see? Now my wish has come true." I leaned back against the railing. "It has."

Zane's eyes were filled with emotions I couldn't understand. "Anna, don't worry. Everything will be okay."

I nodded. "Exactly."

"Then, after Willow falls asleep tonight, how about we have a drink?" Zane had been building up for this exact question. "Life has been too tense recently. We need to relax a bit."

He also hoped to use this opportunity to confirm his feelings.