The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Otis was excited at the thought of taking down Annalise. He even considered Jessica's offer to work together. It didn't seem like such a bad idea, after all.

However, he reckoned he should look into Jessica's background before agreeing to team up with her. He didn't want to risk falling for an elaborate lie and getting played for a fool.

With that in mind, he called a friend and said, "Look into Jessica Shardlow for me."

"You got it."

After the candles were extinguished, the family split the cake. We ate the cake and had a casual conversation in the living room. Not long after, Milton and Dorothy retired to their bedroom.

Willow, on the other hand, insisted that Zane and I stayed up to watch television with her. She lay her head in my lap and grinned as she said, "It's been so long since I had you and Daddy to myself!"

Zane flicked her nose affectionately. "That's rich coming from you! You were so preoccupied with your grandparents that you barely had any time for us!"

Willow chuckled sheepishly. "I was hoping you and Mommy would have more quality time. Instead of blaming me, why don't you thank me instead?"

"Our Willow is so grown up," Zane mused. "Thank you, Willow."

Somehow, Zane's heartfelt appreciation made Willow flush. "You're welcome."

She lay in my lap and watched television. A sudden thought must have crossed her mind, for she bolted upright suddenly and stared at me intently. "Does this mean you'll be my real Mommy from now on?"

I went still at the question, and it took me a while to understand what Willownoveldrama

meant by "real mommy"-the marriage certificate meant Zane and I were lawfully wedded.

As such, I nodded and said, "Yes."

Willow immediately threw her arms around me. "No one can take my Mommy away!"

With that, Willow leaped off the couch and did a happy dance.

I wanted to tell her that no one in their right mind would steal me from her, but I didn't want to ruin her celebratory mood. So, I sat quietly and watched as she cheered.

Willow was so excited that she couldn't stop bounding around the house until bedtime. In her defense, she dozed off the moment she slid under the covers.

I left her bedroom after tucking her in, only to see Zane waiting for me outside the bedroom door. At the sight of me, he smiled and asked, "We're married. Am I allowed to sleep in your bed now?"

"Welcome," I said readily. "But I've got some work piled up. Give me a few more minutes, all right?"

Amusement glittered in his eyes. "All right."

When he returned to the bedroom, he took great care in washing up and changing into silk pajamas. He не then elegantly lay down in bed and waited. Unfortunately, Annalise, who sat close to the bed, was so focused on her work that she hardly glanced at Zane.

Disappointment filled Zane. Everyone had told him he looked handsome. He even made sure to wear special pajamas. He could very well seduce others if he wanted.

Alas, Annalise could not care less. Seeing this, Zane asked, "What are you working on?"

"After we talked about designer collectibles the other day..." I didn't so much as turn to look at him. "I found a new business opportunity with low risks and high returns."

Zane leaned forward at the mention of "high returns" and urged, "Go on."

"The plush toys we sold and promoted relied heavily on the popularity of my comics. But what if..." I grinned, turning to meet Zane's gaze. "What if I were to market these items directly? Will it be a more feasible and profitable business idea?"