The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Otis had to prepare for the eventuality that Yelena might fail. He contemplated feigning intentions to make peace with Annalise. That way, he could turn on her if Yelena successfully seduced Zane but remain close to her if the latter failed.

At least he could count on Annalise to help him in his old age, especially if he hadn't sired a son by then.

...

After getting off work, Zane and I arrived at the kindergarten in time to see Willow leaving through the gates. She bounded up to us excitedly, sounding perfectly at ease as she said in her soft, bell-like voice, "Mommy, Daddy! I've missed you!"

She was getting used to expressing herself.

I picked her up, and she wrapped her chubby arms around my neck, her elbows gently resting on my shoulders.

Zane stared at Willow and said, "Your mother and I went to the courthouse to get our marriage license after you gave us your blessings this morning."

"That's fast! I didn't even get you both a present!" Willow exclaimed, straightening up. She seemed miffed as she grumbled, "I'd planned to give you both a big surprise on the day you get your marriage certificate."

"Oh, dear. What do we do?" Zane chuckled, ruffling Willow's hair affectionately as he noted the distressed look on her face. "How about we get a divorce and

remarry after you've prepared the gift?"

Willow shook her head vehemently. "No, it's fine."

"Are you sure?" Zane asked teasingly.

She hummed in response and racked her brain for an alternative. "Could you drop

me off at the florist's? I'll get flowers for both of you."

Zane had to keep himself from laughing. "All right."

We passed by plenty of florists on the way home, but none met Willow's expectations. In the end, she picked a shop that featured neatly wrapped bouquets and

understated yet beautiful bloel

Willow entered the shop, and the florist greeted her warmly. "Any flowers caught your eye, little one?"

"Roses, please!" Willow said brightly. She'd heard that roses signified love and figured they were the best way to convey her love for Zane and Willow.

The florist led Willow to the roses. "Go ahead and pick out the roses you want."

"Thank you." Willow eyed the roses solemnly, noting the various colors that ranged from white to red. Some even boasted beautiful ivory and blue gradients. They were beautiful, but she settled for two pretty bouquets in the end.

She gestured at the bouquets and asked, "How much for these two?"

The florist led her to the cashier and rang up the bouquets. Willow leaned against

the counter and stared at the florist until the latter grinned at her.

After making the payment, Willow approached Zane and me with two large bouquets. She handed me the bigger one. I took it with a smile and said, "Thank you, Willow."

"You're welcome." Only then did Willow turn to hand Zane the other bouquet. "Congratulations on your marriage."

Gone was the usual indifference on Zane's face, replaced by a faint smile. "And congratulations to you, as well."

When Willow was done gifting us flowers, she happily marched to the car and gloated, "Aren't you glad to have an adorable, loving daughter like me?"noveldrama

I agreed wholeheartedly. "I am. I find myself thinking about how wonderful it would be if you were my biological daughter."

Willow beamed at the comment.