The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 7

Zachary looked up at Steven. His tear-filled eyes reflected a child's innocence and confusion, evoking pitiness.

Steven crouched down, allowing Zachary to gaze directly into his eyes.

"Please say okay, Daddy," Zachary whimpered between sobs.

"You're still just a kid." Steven was always fond of Zachary. He reached out to tousle Zachary's hair affectionately. "If you keep throwing tantrums at Mommy, you're going to regret it when you're older."

"No, I won't!" Zachary shook his head vigorously. As if to reassure Steven, he wiped away his tears and declared, "Daddy, I want to live with Ms. Jessie. I dream about her being my mom every night!" Each word he spoke was resolute, leaving no room for doubt.

Steven didn't respond. He merely patted Zachary's shoulder before standing up.

I turned around, struggling to meet Zachary's gaze.

I had always thought that his desire to become a family with Jessica was just a fleeting whim. But with his repeated outbursts, it was clear he wasn't joking. He genuinely longed for Jessica to be his mother. What about me, his mother, who had unconditionally devoted myself to him? Was I just meant to be cast aside?

Pain welled in my heart, as if countless ants were gnawing at it.

"Honey." Steven wrapped his arms around me. His large hand softly patted my back to comfort me. "Don't be upset. Zachary is still young. He doesn't really understand what he's saying."

I had often told myself not to take Zachary's words to heart. He was just a child, and I should be more forgiving. Yet, his innocent but blunt remarks always managed to pierce right through me.

I struggled to let out a hum while in his arms. Once my emotions stabilized, I finally stepped out of his embrace. "Let's eat."

Steven released me, and I turned to the kitchen to place the dishes on the table. Concerned I might burn myself, Steven took the initiative to handle the heavy pot.

Zachary, clearly disappointed at not getting his way, exclaimed, "Daddy!"

"Time to eat!" Steven said firmly. "Don't make me say it again."

comply. He held his spoon and took small slips of the

shards scattered across the floor, I feared someone would get hurt, so I began

chewed, he swung his legs and muttered, "I hate

My hand froze mid-sweep.

in my heart settled, I reminded

prevented Zachary from contacting Jessica, he would undoubtedly react with intense resistance, and his words would become increasingly harsh. I just needed to hold on a little longer. After sweeping up the last shard of the glass, I returned to find them finishing their

turned his head away from

the two of them. The intense pain in my

hand and leaned in to plant a soft kiss on my lips. "Don't

"I know."

...

center. Every day, he had to be dropped off before

too busy to bother me.

of picking up our son. I believed

it would be a nice surprise for our

and even left an hour early. I arrived at the kindergarten entrance ahead of schedule. After waiting for several minutes, school was

the teachers held back the children. They confirmed each parent's name before allowing them to leave with their families. "Zachary Pelham!" a teacher shouted. "Is Zachary's

I raised my hand and stepped

moment, another

with her wavy hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore

to pick up Zachary and even claiming to be his guardian? Had Steven been deceiving

on his way home from work, but

frozen in place,

wary eye on me. "When I called for Zachary's guardian, she answered as well. Do you

referring to Jessica as Mrs. Pelham? My mind was in

meant Jessica had come here to pick up Zachary multiple times without my knowledge. But who

a sharp knife, mercilessly

Was it Steven?

when she finally laid eyes on me, there was a flicker of surprise in her expression. She reached out to Zachary. "Sweetie, why don't you come over and see if you recognize this lady?"