The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)
Chapter 328

Chapter 328

"Yes," I replied, unsure why she asked but sensing she might need it. "Why?"

willow let out a relieved sigh. "You scared me for a second.

Penelope said Suzy didn't take anything when she died Liam. She left with nothing. Their life was really tough after that "

Willow looked directly at me. "Even though Zane is a good person now, that doesn't mean he won't change someday. So, if you and Zane ever get divorced, you can't be foolish and leave without a penny, okay?" Het book was so endearing that I couldn't help but pinch her chubby cheeks. "And what should I do instead?

Willow boldly replied, "start saving now. And later, take some money from him when it happens. That way you won't have to live miserably."

Her thoughtfulness melted my heart. "But Zane and I aren't even married yet."

Willow was confused and led to process the complexity of the situation. "But I call you mommy, and I call Zane daddy. Doesn't that make us a family?"

Willow's mind raced. "Could it be that dad's afraid you'll take his money, so he won't maday you?"

Her expression turned serious in an instant. She spun on her heel and marched toward Zame's room. "Dad's so mean I'm going to criticize him right now." I quickly pulled her back. "No, it's not like that." Willow turned to look at me. "Then what is

I paused, trying to simplify the explanation: "Two people need to be in love to get married."

Willow still seemed confused "So, do you and daddy not love each other? is it that you don't love daddy, or that daddy doesn't love you?

I was at a loss of words and saw Zane approaching. Taking the opportunity, Imudged Willow forward "Why don't you ask daddy?"

Willow immediately ran to Zane, wrapping her small arms around him "Daddy!"

She repeated the same questions to him, word for word

Zane glanced at me, then carried Willow into his study.

Willow blinked up at him expectantly so, can you tell me why?"

Zane loves this needed a careful answer. After a brief pause, he said, "Do you remember what life was like for Mommy before she came to live with us? Zachary didn't behave and was always helping lessica bully be 7 Willow's line face grew sad as she recalled those soments Her heart had almost broken watching it happen. How could Zachary be so heartless when my was

She added angrily, "And Steven was always with Jessica too, malding mommy sad every single day."

Her flustration was palpable as she recounted the past

a so kind?

Zane, who was fully aware of Willow's deep affection for Annalise, chuckled softly. "Txdly. After coming out of such an environment, it's natural for her to hesitate. She's probably worried that marrying me could lead to the same disappointment Steven caused her." Willow's cheeks pulled up in indignation. "If you ever at Steven, I won't call you daddy anymore."

o't," Zane said, his tone gentle as he reassuredber. "know exactly wh

Willow finally land "Good"

Her voice was wistful "But daddy, how long do we have to

to wait before we can truly be a family with mommy?"

Zane spolu slowly, deliberately. "I'm working hard to win her over. If everything goes well, it won't be long"

Willow's eyes lit up with hope. "Really?"

Zam nodded. "Daddy wouldn't lie to you."

"That's amazing Willow threw her arms around him in excitement. "Do you need my help?