The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 329

Zane noticed the eager expression on Willow's face and chuckled. "Of course, without your help, I wouldn't stand a chance."

"Am I really that important?" Willow asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

Zane gently ruffled her hair. "Absolutely. So, Willow, never underestimate yourself."

After cheering her up, Zane carried her out of the study. The three of us spent the morning exercising together in the yard.

Willow's energy was noticeably brighter—she was more outgoing, confident, and even eating better than usual.

As I watched her, I realized just how fulfilling it was to be part of a child's journey, witnessing them grow little by little.

It was pure happiness.

…

After breakfast, Zane and I drove Willow to school. Willow lay nestled in my arms, she gazed up at me with her big eyes. "Mommy, I heard from daddy that you're dating him. Is that true?"

Zane and I were pretending to be in a relationship to convince everyone around us. Only by doing this could I make Steven believe I truly had a boyfriend, and he would finally let me go.

But kids are innocent—they say whatever they hear without a filter. If I told Willow the truth and Steven ever spoke to her, trying to pry information out of her, he would find out that Zane and I weren't really together.

He would never stop chasing after me.

To avoid that, I had no choice but to lie. "Yes, that's right."

Willow frowned, clearly puzzled. "But when you're at home, you and daddy act so distant. It doesn't seem like you're dating at all."

Zane smiled and smoothly chimed in, "That's because we're careful not to show affection in front of you. We didn't want to set a bad example."

Willow's frown deepened. "But I want to see mommy and daddy being lovey-dovey."