The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Zane chuckled and asked, "Must you be so polite with me?"

I retorted, "You were being polite first!"

At that, Zane pulled me into his embrace. Having completed the business plan, I lay in bed enjoying the relaxing moment. I then stared at the ceiling and exclaimed, "It's nice!"

"Hmm?" Zane asked as he covered the both of us with the comforter.

Snuggling into a comfortable position in his arms, I said, "If I want to start my own business, I can. No one can stop me but myself."

Upon hearing that, Zane replied, "You're right. To many people, this would be the best time to be alive."

I tried to make Zane's features out in the dark. Zane continued in a hoarse voice, "I'm lucky to have met such a wonderful woman."

"Me, too," I said, chuckling.

Zane kissed me on my forehead and said, "You must be tired after a long day."

I was used to sleeping alone, so I had expected to be uncomfortable sleeping next to someone else. But when I closed my eyes, I unexpectedly had a restful sleep next to Zane. I had not slept so well for a long time.

Zane gently caressed Annalise's cheek as she snoozed away. He felt the emotions of finally holding the person he loved-like a void finally filled, bringing joy and satisfaction.

...

Somebody knocked on the door. Then, Willow's childish voice said, "Mommy, it's time to get up."

Awakened by her voice, I got up and opened the door. Willow's gaze fell on me and then behind me. Then, she looked at me in disbelief.

"You slept together?" Willow blurted out. Upon hearing that, I turned around to see Zane still in bed. I wasn't sure how to explain to Willow.

Willow cried, "You slept together without me? The both of you are so mean!"

I hurriedly picked up Willow and said, "Willow, don't cry."

Immediately, Willow held back her tears and stared at me with her teary eyes. I

was at a loss for words, so I turned to Zane for help.

He took Willow into his arms and said, while chuckling, "You've slept with Mommy before, but I've never slept with Mommy before, right?"

Upon hearing that question, Willow felt like something didn't add up, but she couldn't quite put a finger on it. She frowned and nodded, saying, "Yeah."

Holding back his laughter, Zane continued, "When you slept with Mommy last time, have I ever made a fuss about how you two slept together without me?"

Willow shook her head. At that moment, Zane marveled at how gullible young children could be.

Zane said, "Of course, we didn't

invite you last night because wenoveldrama

were working late, and you were already asleep! We were worried that you might be angry if we brought you over without your permission, and you'd wake up somewhere that's not your bedroom