The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

The driver stole a glance at Zane, who was staring intently at Annalise. A grin spread across his face.

He looked away and said, "Alright."

...

By the time we arrived at the printing factory, the publisher's staff were already waiting at the entrance. They quickly led us to a small room nearby as soon as they saw us.

The room was packed with books, most of them already opened to the title page to make it easier for me to sign. I sat down at the desk with a deep breath and started carefully signing my pen name. The moment I finished a book, someone would whisk it away and place a new one in front of me. I looked at them in surprise.

They stared at me, puzzled. "Why have you stopped signing?"

"This is the first time I've ever experienced something like this," I remarked.

Everything had been so perfectly arranged that all I needed to do was sign, and my heart swelled with a deep sense of appreciation. "I'm not quite used to it yet," I added.

The publisher's staff didn't seem bothered. "We've got a lot of books to get through today, and it'd take you forever to do it alone."

Another staff member chimed in, "Exactly. The last two years have been rough for the market. We honestly thought our publisher might not survive this year.

"We never imagined your comic would make such a splash! It's sold hundreds of thousands of copies in just a few days! Thanks to you, our company's going to make it!"

Having been a stay-at-home mother for so long, I never realized how much of an impact I could have on others.

"That's amazing," " I said.

"It really is," they answered in unison.

I continued signing. Each time I finished one book, it was swiftly replaced by another.

The more they chattered, the lighter my mood became. Even though the room was filled to the brim with books, it didn't feel as daunting anymore.

I sped up as I signed, and soon enough, we fell into a steady rhythm. By the end, my hand was sore, and they both seemed just as drained.

"Why don't we take a break?" I suggested.

They both glanced at the clock.

"It's already noon. How about we grab lunch?"

"Perfect!"

They planned to grab takeout, hoping to wrap up the signing quickly and have some free time afterward. I couldn't help but smile at theinenthusiasm, thinking how wonderful it was to be young

"I've got lunch covered."

I looked up at the sound of that familiar voice and saw Zane approaching with an insulated container. I got up right away and walked toward him. "What brings you here?" I asked.

Zane ran his fingers through my hair

with affection. "I figured you might not be too keen on the food here, so I went to your favorite place and picked up lunch for you. See f it's something you'll enjoy."

Since we started dating, I had always felt his deep care for me. He'd notice the little things I missed and handle them for me.

Feeling thankful, I accepted the food and said, "Thanks."

"Don't mention it," Zane replied.

He walked to his car, grabbed two

more takeout bags, and passed

them to the staff. "I wasn't sure what

to getnoveldrama

so I went with the house

specialties. I hope they're to your taste."

The staff stared at him in surprise. "You brought us lunch as well?"

"Of course," Zane answered.

He sat beside me and whispered, "It feels off without you at the office."

I turned to him. "Huh?"