The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 1

"Mommy, can you please divorce Daddy?"

It was 9:00 pm, and I was trying to get my son to sleep. Just when I thought he was drifting off, he suddenly asked me that.

That one sentence hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me momentarily stunned. My hand froze on his back. A sharp pain pricked at my heart.

Over the years, my relationship with his father had been pretty good. By all accounts, a child nurtured with love should feel happy living in such an environment. So, how could he have such a thought? I couldn't wrap my head around it, so I asked, "Why do you say that?" I tried to keep my voice gentle, afraid of scaring him.

"You never let me eat fast food or ice cream."

He was nearly falling asleep. His voice slurred and was laced with the innocence typical of his age. It left me feeling both amused and exasperated.

He wanted me to divorce his father over trivial things like this? Kids really were naive.

As I listened to his breathing slow and steady, I knew he had fallen asleep.

Just as I was about to get up and leave, a notification sound came from his bedside. I turned back and saw light from under his pillow.

After lifting the corner of the pillow, I spotted a tablet hidden underneath and couldn't help but sigh.

My son was still young, and I was worried about his eyesight, so I had set strict limits on his screen time.

Though he often grumbled about it, he had always followed my rules. But tonight, he had secretly stashed the tablet away.

As I pulled it out and prepared to shut it down, I was caught off guard by the bright screen displaying a group chat.

The group was named "Happy Family" with a smiling emoji. It was clearly named in my son's playful tone, as that was his favorite emoji. The group avatar looked like a family portrait with four people. I zoomed in on the photo and saw a cheerful woman cradling two children.

He held a giant ice cream cone, beaming

was the same way

being pierced with a needle. A wave of uncontrollable pain

had

felt as if I'd been struck by lightning. Trembling, I clicked on her profile. To

first love,

felt a surreal absurdity wash over me, as if

formed a family group chat with his first love. And I was the only one left behind. They had built

grip on

filled with messages. They overwhelmed

Steven when he'd be home for dinner,

as I clicked it open. The video was

countless moments-fried chicken, Coke, a Ferris wheel,

all smiles, radiating pure joy. Even Steven, who usually hid his emotions, couldn't conceal his

the capacity to focus on the other two people because the

hands clasped tight while earnestly making a wish in front

voice. "I hope Ms. Jessie becomes my mommy. I hope Daddy, Ms. Jessie, Cody, and

his dreams to

looked just like a

I was in so much pain

then, "Mommy" in the group sent a voice message. Her voice was lively and cheerful, like that of a supportive older sister who

wanted me to be your mom. And you said anyone will do, just as long as it's not your current one. I was wondering why you seemed to

She never lets you eat or play with what you want. To help you grow up happy, I'll be your new mommy in this group chat from now on. This place will be the home for the four of us." Did Zachary really say that? Anyone would

believe it. The child I gave birth to the one I poured all my energy into raising-could actually dislike

Tears