The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter

40

That was when Zane remembered Willow's words. He put on a stern expression and said, "We're not buying that doll."

Willow wanted to pretend to lie on the ground and throw a tantrum. Yet, she looked around and realized there were people nearby. Her cheeks soon turned bright red as she hid behind Zane. "I don't wanna pretend anymore."

She seemed slightly embarrassed. I couldn't help but chuckle at her. She was such a unique child.

Zane picked Willow up. Willow buried her head against Zane's chest and said, "Please stop laughing, Mommy,"

It was only then that I stopped. Zane carried Willow with one hand while pushing the shopping cart with his other hand.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

It seemed too exhausting for him, and I wanted to help ease his burden, so I took the shopping cart from him. "I'll push the cart." "Sure." Zane didn't refuse my help. "Our chef, Duncan Frye, is on leave tomorrow. We'll have to eat out during the day." Willow voiced her prefe I was about to offer to cook since Chef Frye wouldn't be around. However, I held back the suggestion when I heard Willow wanted

but.

to eat

I knew most children who had nannies or special caretakers seldom ate out. Since the opportunity arose, I figured we could allow her to enjoy herself at a restaurant. It seemed like a pretty good idea, after all Zane wasn't fussy when it came to food. So, he complied, "Let's go with Willow's choice."

Upon getting her wish, Willow beamed with joy and wiggled out of Zane's arms. "Let's have a yummy, big meal in t about dinner..."

She stood before the fresh meat aisle, eyed the broad selection of proteins, and waved me over. I did as she wanted.

the afternoon. Now,

"How about this? Daddy can come home early from work and help us cook some steak!" Willow stated before immediately turning to me. "The food Daddy makes is okay, but his steaks are the best in the world!"

It seemed like Willow rarely complimented Zane, which was why Zane puffed his chest out with pride. He declared, "Don't worry. Daddy will make you the world's yummiest steak tomorrow."

That seemed to work well on Willow, who replied, "I can't wait!"

She also picked up a few pieces of packaged beef and placed them into our shopping cart. Yet, Zane returned the beef Willow had chosen to shelves.

He then told her which types of meat would taste better when cooked as steak. Likewise, he taught her about the kinds of beef that would turn out dry and tough.

Willow paid close attention to everything he said. She even nodded at times. Once Zane selected the ingredients for tomorrow's dinner, he paid for them and brought us to the mall's upper floors.

To that, I was confused. "Why are we heading upstairs? Is there something else we need to buy?"

"Since you plan on drawing at home in the future, you'll undoubtedly need some supplies. We should take this chance to get everything you need since we're here today" Zane spoke while leading the way.

The second floor mainly sold electronic appliances and devices. Digital drawing tablets weren't the top-selling items, so only a little comer of the second floor had shops dedicated to selling them.

Upon arrival, Zane had the shop assistant explain the difference between each model. He ultimately bought the most expensive tablet model, which allowed me to draw digitally and transfer a drawing on paper into a computer.

I was so shocked that I didn't know what to say after listening to the shop assistant's explanation of the tablet's functions. Had modern technology already advanced this much without me noticing?

Once we bought everything necessary, Zane brought the shopping cart back to the car and took us home.

Chef Frye had already prepared our meal beforehand. He made chicken noodle soup and some salad. The dishes were light and easy to digest for dinner.

We could even taste the freshness of each leafy green in the salad. Willow sat at the din

dining table, her gaze shooting from me to Zane.

She seemed delighted that Zane and I would pick her up from school on time every day. Plus, we were willing to take the time to play with her. She probably felt like the most loved and blessed child now. Chapter 40

Zane scooped some chicken noodle soup into a bowl before passing it to Willow.