The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Leah said calmly, "Of course, that's no problem."

With the teacher's approval, Willow held Penelope's hand and headed upstairs. Their excitement was evident as they ran up the stairs, completely forgetting their earlier fears of Leah.

Leah said to Zane with a serious expression. "Don't worry. Since I've accepted your payment, I'll make sure they learn something."

"I'm just glad you're willing to share your knowledge with them," he replied.

Leah was a reputable figure in the industry. It was rare for anyone to be able to hire her, regardless of the amount offered. They wouldn't have had a chance to talk to her if she hadn't been cash-strapped recently. Leah relaxed a little upon learning of Zane's trust in her. "Thank you," she said.

Meanwhile, the two children played with toy airplanes as they ran down the stairs.

Given their young age, Leah explained the principles behind their toys in simple terms. Willow and Penelope listened intently and occasionally asked questions when they didn't understand.

Leah had initially thought she would just be playing with the kids, but she was pleasantly surprised by how seriously they were taking it. This made her even happier, and she eagerly shared everything they wanted to know.

...

I watched the three of them from a distance.

Willow and Penelope were playing with a remote-controlled airplane.

The teacher occasionally spoke to them, guiding them as they landed the plane and inspected it.

Suzy, feeling rare relaxation, leaned back with a contented smile and said, "If only I could have a little time like this to unwind every day."noveldrama

At home, she was usually the one solely responsible for taking care of Penelope, shouldering most of the workload herself. Opportunities to relax were few and far between.

Ever since Penelope started playing with Willow and visited the Huxham residence daily, Suzy felt as though a significant weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

"Well, why not come over here every day after school?" I suggested since I was also happy to see Willow having company.

Suzy replied without hesitation, "Sure."

As we talked, a young woman suddenly pushed open the door and walked straight to Zane.

Zane said something to her before turning to head into the living room. The woman followed him with a broad smile.

Suzy frowned and asked, "Who is she? Do you know her?"

"I don't," I replied, pulling my gaze

back. "But she's probably a relative. If she

weren't, she wouldn't be

showing up at Zane's house this late at night."

"Aren't you worried? What if she isn't a relative, but Zane's secret lover?" Suzy asked.

She seemed genuinely concerned that Zane might no longer love me.

I chuckled softly. "If Zane had

he liked, then he wouldnt

ome looking for me in

first

would he?" Content, belongs to

"What if he met someone he truly likes after getting together with you?"

"As long as he's honest with me, I'd step aside without hesitation."

Suzy seemed surprised that I was so nonchalant about it. "Don't you feel resentment?"

I smiled. "None at all. I've earned plenty of money after being with Zane. And for a time, he genuinely treated me well, enough for me understand what a normaltic relationship is supposed to feel like. That's more than enough."

I've long since stopped demanding too much.

After brief contemplation, Suzy nodded, agreeing. "That's true."

"What's more, I've already been through a failed marriage once. The only thing I truly learned from that experience is..."