The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

I gently rubbed Willow on her head and said, "I love you, too."

After all the preparation was done, Willow immediately got into bed. As usual, I read her a bedtime story with a gentle voice. Willow always had many peculiar questions to ask, and I would always patiently answer her questions.

...

Meanwhile, in the study, Zane was deep in thought.

Lately, Jessica had been on Annalise's tail. Zane was worried that Jessica might do something bizarre that would hurt Annalise or cause Annalise trouble. Zane's solution was to keep Jessica occupied.

If Jessica saw Annalise's success, she would be envious and desperately try to surpass Annalise. That way, she wouldn't have time to think of anything else. At that thought, Zane called Eric.noveldrama

Eric had completed his tasks when he received the call. Surprised, he answered and asked, "Do you need something from me, Mr. Huxham?"

Zane answered affirmatively, "Yeah. Tell the marketing department to send out a press release. Just announce that Annalise's comic is published and that it's selling very well. Most importantly, Annalise autographed the comics, and the autographed versions are selling like hotcakes."

If the news was published online, Jessica would hear of it immediately. If she saw that, she would definitely publish her own comic and autograph them. Considering how Jessica was pregnant, as well as trying to balance between three men and her work, Zane thought Jessica would be extremely busy.

After Jessica's book signing, Annalise's comic would most likely come up with other activities. If Jessica followed suit, it would take up all of her time, leaving her no room to harm Annalise. Zane thought that would help him achieve his objectives.

Eric said, "Got it. I'll be on it now."

Zane responded with a light hum.

After Willow drifted into sleep, I turned off the lights and pecked her on the forehead. Then, I quietly left her bedroom.

...

After I closed the door, Zane walked up to me and whispered, "Let's talk on the balcony."

"Sure," I said, following him to the balcony.

The lights had been turned on, making the space seem bright. I plopped down on the chair, and Zane sat down next to me. Gently massaging my hand, he asked, "Do you have to sign more autographs tomorrow?"

After a day of autographs, my hand was sore. Zane's massage helped relieve the soreness.

"No, I'm done with my autographs. But even if I wasn't, I will go to the kindergarten activity tomorrow afternoon," I said. At the mention of that, my mood became more

elevated.

I continued, "After all, family is more important."

Zane raised my hand to his lips and lightly pecked me on the hand. I hurriedly pulled away and chuckled, asking, "What are you doing?"

Without much thought, Zane said,

"This is the first time we've been

apart for so long ever since you

moved into our home. It's been met

whole day since I've seen you. m

not used to it, and I miss you a lot."

BUMS