The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Zane drove both of us to Willow's kindergarten. When we arrived, Willow had already been waiting by the gate. When she saw us, she excitedly waved at us. "Daddy! Mommy!" she called out.

It was the first time Zane experienced Willow's enthusiastic welcome. He ran up to Willow and asked, "What's the matter, sweetie?"

Willow jumped into Zane's arms and said, "Let's get into the car! I'll tell you more after we get in."

"Sure," Zane said, picking Willow up and gently ruffling her hair. He put her in the backseat and then went to the driver's seat.

Willow looked around and then asked, "Where's Mr. Cruze? Why isn't he here?" "He's busy lately, so he took a leave of absence," Zane answered.

After hearing that, Willow nodded and said, "Okay, then."

Zane asked, "What were you rushing to tell me earlier?"

Immediately, Willow smiled obsequiously and replied, "We're about to graduate soon. All the kids are worrying about the same thing...'

"Hmm?"

"1

As an adult, Zane couldn't understand what children would usually talk about. Willow said coyly, "It's about which elementary school we'll be going to."

Naturally, Zane wanted his child to attend the best elementary school. He hoped she would meet good friends and be surrounded by good influences, knowing that a good environment would help shape her into a better person. But Zane decided to ask Willow's opinion.

"Are there any elementary schools you want to attend?" he asked.

Willow lowered her head and said shyly, "I want to go to the best elementary school, but I heard those schools have strict requirements. Apparently, you wouldn't get in if you didn't live nearby."noveldrama

Willow knew that their family lived a comfortable life, but when her friends talked about school, they all said money wouldn't solve these

problems. That got lowese

wondering if their family had enough money for her to be enrolled in an elementary school she liked.

But Willow didn't mind even if she couldn't enroll in that school. She decided that if she went to a regular school she would only work harder. Willow was confident that she could excel if she worked hard.

Willow gazed at Zane with her bright, glistening eyes. Meanwhile, Zane was

happy to hear Willow's answer. He was happy that she had a clear head at such a young age.

Zane said, "Don't worry, we'll take care of that."

Willow thought she'd be happy to hear that, but she felt worried when she saw Zane's expression. She asked Would it be stressfut for you, Daddy? If it adds stress, then I don't want it. I want you to have an easier life, Daddy."

Touched by Willow's words, Zane said, "Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'll handle all of that."

Willow stared at Zane for a long time before saying, "Okay, then."

When Jessica got home, she was immersed in her thoughts.

Now that she had completely cut Casper off and cleared things up with him, she

had to restructure her plan. For example, her plans for the future.

Zane showed zero interest in her, even using Casper to trick her-that meant Zane was uninterested in her.

Jessica took a deep breath.

If she gave up on Zane and Casper, the only man left in her life would be Steven, and that would change her plan.