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."

held his

feared someone would get hurt,

legs and muttered, "I hate Mommy! I hate

My hand froze mid-sweep.

the ache in my heart settled, I reminded myself

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

huffed and turned his head away

inside the house, watching the two of them. The intense pain

and leaned in to plant a soft kiss on my

"I know."

...

be dropped off before 8:00 am and picked up by

he was too busy to bother me. So, he would pick up Zachary after

I decided to reclaim the responsibility of picking up our son. I believed that spending more time together might strengthen

decision. I thought it would be a

even left an hour early.

the electric gate opened, the teachers held back the children. They confirmed each parent's name before allowing them

here!" I raised my hand

the same moment, another figure

around and found Jessica in a striking red dress with her wavy hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore elaborate makeup and radiated a warm, confident smile. "I'm here, Ms. Dawson." I was

and even claiming to be his guardian?

told me he would pick up Zachary on his way home from work, but in reality, he had sent Jessica to create opportunities for her to

left me frozen in place, and

Jessica, she kept a wary eye on me.

was actually referring to Jessica as Mrs. Pelham? My

was his mom. This meant Jessica had come here

me like a sharp knife, mercilessly stabbing at

Was it Steven?

met me before, so when she finally laid eyes on me, there was a flicker of surprise in her expression. She reached out to