The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

All my colleagues were totally in sync. Recommending my comic was technically part of their job, but they actually read it. Plus, the pay was more than generous.

Deep down, they all enjoyed my comic and thought the little girl in the story was absolutely adorable. They felt incredibly happy-doing work they loved while getting to engage with a character they adored.

It was pretty much a dream come true!

When the workday ended, Zane and I headed out to pick up Willow.

On the way there, I shared my thoughts with him. "You go to your dinner party, and I'll meet my colleagues for a get-together. How about I take Willow with me?"

Not wanting me to tire myself out, Zane said, "You might not be able to enjoy yourself if Willow comes with you."

I smiled. "She's a thoughtful girl. Don't worry."

Once we arrived at the kindergarten and picked Willow up, I explained our plans and asked, "Do you want to come with me, go with Daddy to the dinner party, or just head home?"

Willow glanced at both of us before clinging to my arm. "I want to be with you, Mommy! Being with your colleagues sounds like more fun."

I lifted Willow into the car. Zane got into the front seat and glanced back at us. "Just call me if you need anything."

"Sure," I replied.

...

As soon as we arrived at the dining spot, everyone's faces lit up at the sight of Willow. They quickly gathered around her, their mouths hanging open in surprise.

"Oh wow, I already thought Willow in the comic was adorable, but she's even cuter in person! My goodness, how does such a sweet little angel exist?"

In the past, Willow would have hidden away in front of unfamiliar people. But now, she was different.

She greeted everyone confidently. "Hi, everyone! You all look super pretty, too."

I had expected her to be at least a ། little shy, but she was completely at ease. She made sure every colleague got a smile, effortlessly brightening the atmosphere.

Seeing the sparkle in her eyes, I felt my spirits lift. Someone asked Willow, "Who

do you like more, your mom or your dad?"noveldrama

Without missing a beat, Willow answered, "I like Mommy best! She's gentle, and she always treats me so well!"

They teased her, "So, does that mean you don't like your dad?"

"I do like him," Willow quickly clarified. "But Daddy is, well, a man. He's not big on talking things through. He just does whatever I ask him to."

She was fully aware of how Annalise and Zane took care of her.

With a thoughtful expression, she added, "Maybe when I'm older, I'l

understand all the things Det

dor me. But right now, Igust

enjoy being with Mommy more."

Everyone took turns scooping Willow up and playfully squishing her cheeks. Eventually, she wriggled free and collapsed beside me, looking exhausted.

Puzzled, she asked, "Mommy, I

always hear that working is really

tiring. And whenever I see people

going to or coming from work, they look so down. Why is everyone here so happy?"