The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Back home, Willow gathered the entire family to join her in her daily physical exercises. Afterward, she pulled Penelope, along with her grandparents, upstairs to continue their playtime.

This left only Zane, Suzy, and me in the living room. Suzy glanced upstairs, her expression soft. "I initially thought Willow needed Penelope's help to get better, but who could've imagined she'd recover on her own?" "Exactly," I agreed, equally amazed. "Kids improve much faster than we expect."

Suzy chuckled. "So true. Look at Penelope. When she lived with Liam, she was like a timid little quail, constantly walking on eggshells. But after just a few days with me, she's already returning to her lively self." Her voice was filled with love as she spoke of Penelope. "If I'd known that switching to a less stressful job would make her life easier, I would've quit my old job ages ago."

I could sense Suzy's guilt as a mother and gently patted her shoulder. "It's never too late to make changes."

"You're right," Suzy agreed.

At this moment, Zane chimed in, "How about we celebrate Willow's and Penelope's improvements tonight? Dinner at Silver Crescent Hotel?"

Suzy and I immediately agreed to the idea.

Zane stood up. "I'll make the reservation."

...

The hotel wasn't far from the villa. When we arrived, the server led us to a private dining room, where the food was soon served. Though Zane hadn't ordered too much, it was enough to feed all seven of us. At the center of the table was a massive cake.

The two little girls gasped in delight, their eyes wide. "Wow!"

Zane said, his usual icy tone softened, "Go on. Make a wish."

"Okay!" The girls gleefully blew out the candles.

Willow wished, "I hope I can overcome autism and talk to everyone like normal. I hope our family will live happily together. And I hope my friend Penelope's dreams come true."

Penelope followed with her wishes.

"I wish for happy days with my mom

and for Dad not to bother us anymore. I wish for Mom's work to

go well. And lastly, I hope my friend Willow gets better soon."

The innocence of their dreams brought a smile to everyone's faces. Overwhelmed with joy, Penelope hugged Willow, and the two began jumping around the room excitedly. Laughing, I gently reminded them, "Time to eat."

"Okay." Willow obediently sat beside

me. Being a child, she naturally gravitated toward the more sweet dish, like Honey-glazed pork tenderloin. However, not wanting to disturb my meal, she hesitated before tapping Zane's arm.

"Daddy, I want some tenderloin. Can you get it for me?"

Unaware of her thoughtful hesitation, Zane was happy to oblige. "Of course."

Willow gave me a playful wink, silently mouthing, "Mommy, keep eating."

I nodded reassuringly, and only then did she focus back on her own plate.

vel

Zane, though reserved as ever, engaged in brief conversations mostly with Willow and me. To fill the quieter moments, Milton's cheerful personality kept the atmosphere lively. The meal turned out to be a warm and joyfu

occasion.

...

After the dinner, Richard took Willow and her grandparents home. Meanwhile, I joined Zane to drop off Suzy and Penelope.

Zane's hands were steady on the wheel as he followed Suzy's car in front. In an almost casual tone, he asked, "Do you mind that I'm driving Suzy home?"