The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Zane was worried Annalise might read too much into it. She could start wondering if he was still keeping his distance or worse, if he was just using her.noveldrama

But saying he wanted a child? That would be a problem, too.

Annalise had once fallen from an upper floor, and the injuries were so severe that she could no longer have children. Zane didn't want to upset her by bringing it up, so after thinking it over, he decided to stay quiet.

He glanced at Annalise, who looked a little puzzled. Smiling, he asked, "After all this time together, what do you think of me?"

I wasn't one to hold back on praise.

"You're wonderful!" I said.

Honestly, Zane was the kind of man most people could only dream of. He was handsome and incredibly good at making money.

At work, he was all business and determination, yet at home, he was nothing but a gentle presence for his family.

Sometimes, just the thought of being with someone like Zane made me feel like the luckiest person alive-almost like I was in a dream.

Zane's expression softened as he asked, "Have you thought about when you'd like to be with me?"

I blinked in confusion. "Aren't we already dating?"

"I mean marriage." His voice was firm, almost like he was making a promise. "Maybe it's not a big deal to you. Divorce is always an option if it doesn't work out. But for me, it's something different.

"I need something official so I can protect you. At least then, if anyone causes you trouble, I can step in, tell them I'm your husband, and handle it myself."

His words really got to me.

"Let's wait until Willow comes back," I said.

Zane looked puzzled. "Why?"

"I want to ask Willow what she thinks," I answered, keeping my voice steady. "She's just a kid, but she's been through a lot and matured because of it. If we went ahead and got married without her being on board, I'm worried she might not take it well. But if Willow's okay with it..."

I met Zane's gaze. "Then we'll get married."

A slow smile spread across his face. "Alright."

Willow had been waiting for this moment. So to Zane, Annalise's response already felt like a quiet yes.

Sasha spent the entire day handling paperwork with Shane. At last, their company was officially up and running.

She couldn't wait to post about it on Instagram, but a thought crossed her mind- what if someone stole her idea and copied it?

After debating with herself for a while, she decided to keep quiet and called Annalise instead. "Hello?"

"What's up?" I answered casually.

es gentle voice immediately

put Sasha

in a better mood. "I just

had to share the good news-I've got

my own company now!"

"That's amazing. Work hard and make it the best in the industry!" I said, smiling.

Sasha had often daydreamed about

her company overcoming

challenges and reaching the top of the industry, but she never spoke of

it, fearing others would laugh and call her unrealistic.

Hearing Annalise say it out loud made something light up inside her. She loved

the feeling of being recognized.

Feeling more confident, Sasha declared, "Don't worry, I will! But there's something I'm stuck on..."