The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Zane set his bouquet on the passenger seat and fastened his seatbelt. Glancing over his shoulder at the backseat, he asked Willow, "Where to?"

Willow replied without hesitation, "It's your big day today. Let's celebrate with the rest of the family over dinner."

She was at that age where she loved parties, and Zane didn't want to disappoint her. As such, he looked to me for affirmation.

I nodded and said, "Let's go, then."

Zane made a reservation at the restaurant before calling the rest of the family. Only then did we head toward the restaurant.

We were familiar with our dinner guests and bonded over casual, unpretentious conversation. The atmosphere in the private dining lounge was lively, and everyone was smiling.

It wasn't long before the food arrived. Zane had made sure to order several house specialties, all of which were delicious. After dinner, the crowd dispersed.

Upon returning home, Willow was grinning from ear to ear, delighted by the day's events. She watched as I sat on the couch and threw herself into my arms. She batted her eyelashes at me, and I met her gaze as I asked, "Is something the matter, darling?"

"When are you and Daddy going to have a baby?" she asked.

I glanced at Zane, who fell silent. I was well aware that we were on the same page about starting a family together, but given how awkward he was about it, I reckoned it was best that I broke the news to Willow.

I stroked her hair and said slowly, "Honestly, your father and I don't plan on having children."

Willow bolted upright and fixed me with a baffled look. "But why?"

I continued stroking her hair, explaining, "Because we're happy with having you as

our daughter and don't see the need to have more children."

She cut a concerned look at Zane. "Is this true, Daddy?"

Zane knew about my condition, but he didn't want me to feel burdened by the idea of having a family with him. As such, he took the blame and said, "Tye been so busy these last few years. There's no telling if I'm healthy enough."

Willow could tell right away that he was making this up. "If you're holding back because you're worried I might become jealous, don't worry! I love you both, and I'm sure I'll love your child, too!"

Zane pinched her cheek lovingly and said matter-of-factly, "You saw how your mother nearly bled out after she fell off the stairs during her last pregnancy."

The blood drained from Willow's face. After a long while, she nodded. "Yes."noveldrama

He continued, believe your mother hasn't gotten over the incident yet, and she probably isn't planning to have more children. As for me, ↓ wouldn't want to put your mon through something she didn't sign up for."

Willow stopped speaking after that.

I stared at Zane meaningfully.

Worried that Willow might think I had given up on having children for good, Zane added, "Even if your mother did want a child, I wouldn't

agree to it. It took me ages to be

together and marry."

Willow blinked and asked tentatively, "So, you don't want to lose her?"

He nodded. "That's right. I've got everything I ever wanted—a successful business, a gentle wife, and an obedient little girl. What more do I need beyond our little family?"