The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

"Okay," Zachary replied.

He picked up his utensils and ate intently.

Portia smiled fondly, adding more food to his plate.

Zachary glanced at her, Harry, and Hannah, and a profound sense of gratitude filled him. He realized there were still people who cared for him. He lowered his gaze and continued eating quietly.

...

Willow woke up in the morning and saw Annalise lying next to her. A serene smile spread across her face. She lifted her chubby hand and gently traced Annalise's eyebrows, her eyes, and the bridge of her nose.

She couldn't help but giggle. So this was what it felt like to have a mother. The thought of being able to look at Annalise whenever she wanted made her heart swell with warmth and joy.

Willow didn't bother getting dressed. Instead, she fixed her gaze on Annalise as she savored the rare moment they had to themselves.

I opened my eyes and saw Willow lying on her side, watching me intently.

"You're awake?" I asked.

"Yup," Willow said with a wide, toothy grin.

I cupped her face and kissed her good morning. She kissed my cheek in return and hugged me.

After a while, she slowly pulled away and said, "I have to get up now, Mommy."

There was a gentle whine in her voice, but it was sweet.

I rubbed her cheek affectionately. "Go ahead."

Willow got up, quietly slid on her little slippers, and headed to the bathroom, glancing back at me every few steps.

I watched her. She was still so young yet already so independent-waking up, washing up, brushing her teeth, all without help.

A flood of emotions washed over

me. It hadn't been long, but she was

already so self-reliant. Part of me felt

a swell of pride as I watched her grow, but another part of me

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couldn't help but feel a little sad.

I knew she would continue to grow, and one day, she'd venture out to carve her path, leaving me behind.

I kept the sense of loss to myself, then got up and said, "I'm going to freshen up, too."

Willow poked her head out of the bathroom, her eyes twinkling joyfully. "I'll see you downstairs!"noveldrama

"Okay," I responded gently.

Willow was full of insecurities when I first got here. She followed me around, afraid I'd sneak off without a word.

By now, after spending so much

time together, we had developed a good amount of trust. She knew I loved her and wouldn't leave her, so she wasn't scared anymore whenever I needed to step away.

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I left her room with a smile, carefully closing the door behind me. I looked up and saw Zane standing across from me, his expression somewhat forlorn. "You're really heartless," he said.

"Huh?" I was puzzled.

"Every time after you'd tuck Willow in, you'd come and talk to me," Zane explained, falling into step with me. "Butdast night, I waited forever, and you never came."

I was amused. "Are you seriously jealous of Willow?"