The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 743

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.

…

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'll understand all the things Daddy does for me. But right now, I just 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?"