The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 330

Chloe grew angrier at Zachary's resistance and raised her hand, ready to hit him. "Why are you so ungrateful? Everything I'm doing is for you!"

Seeing what was happening, Hannah rushed over and scooped Zachary into her arms. "Why are you hitting a child?"

Zachary, perched on his teacher Hannah's shoulder for safety, glared back at Chloe. “Stop using me as an excuse! You’re only doing this for yourself!”

Chloe, still fuming, tried to follow, but Hannah rushed Zachary into the kindergarten and quickly shut the gate behind them.

"Thank you, Ms. Ludwig." Zachary said with a grateful look. "If you hadn't come in time, who knows what would've happened."

Hannah smiled gently. "You're my student. It's only right that I protect you."

…

When we arrived at the kindergarten gate, Willow leaned toward Zane and whispered, “Daddy, you’ve got to work harder, okay?”

Zane nodded eagerly. "Don't worry, I will."

Satisfied, Willow hopped out of the car. Zane and I followed her into the kindergarten, where he took my hand naturally.

I glanced at him in surprise but decided not to pull away, remembering what we had told Willow earlier.

As we walked, Willow suddenly turned around and stopped in front of us., her face serious.

"Daddy, mommy, maybe you should tone it down in front of me."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Didn't you say earlier that you wanted to see us being lovey-dovey?"

Willow's expression was somber. "I can't explain it, but when I see you holding hands, it feels like mommy isn't just mine anymore."

Her words struck a chord with me. Always mindful of her feelings, I immediately let go of Zane's hand. "Okay, I'll listen to Willow."

Zane looked reluctant but nodded, respecting Willow's wishes.

Seeing this, Willow broke into a smile and threw herself into my arms. "Mommy's the best."

Zane raised an eyebrow. "What about daddy?"

Willow, used to Zane's playful jealousy, replied with a casual, "I love daddy too."