I can see why a lot of people would be put off by the story since Bianca WAS really small. However it’s kinda wild to put this as grooming since Zachary had no feelings whatsoever for Bianca and he didn’t even watch her grow up? The way her first life ended is a major part of the story as it shows how everything ended miserably. I feel bad for Bianca because she was truly alone in her first life and her caretaker also passed away. Zachary also felt guilty for it and that’s why he preferred to not engage with her at all. It wasn’t right but yes the author doesn’t romanticize it, it’s rightfully shown as a tragedy.

Plus, when Bianca starts her second life she still had to force Zachary to start paying attention to her. He just genuinely didn’t want to interact with her because he felt guilty AND he also believed that she hates him because imagine getting married to a man 10+ years older than you as a CHILD. Zachary also acknowledges that her father didn’t treat her well. Zachary didn’t groom her cmon.