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."

did Zachary reluctantly comply. He held his spoon and took small slips

I feared someone would get hurt,

his legs and muttered, "I hate Mommy!

My hand froze mid-sweep.

the ache in my heart settled, I reminded myself that I had

his words would become increasingly harsh. I just needed to hold on a little

and turned his head away

the two of them. The intense pain in my

plant a soft kiss on my lips. "Don't take it too personally. This

"I know."

...

Every day, he had to be dropped

bother

reclaim the responsibility of picking up our son. I believed that spending more

it would be a nice surprise for our family to

early. I arrived at the kindergarten entrance ahead of schedule. After waiting for several minutes,

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

raised my hand

same moment, another

her

pick up Zachary and even

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

left me frozen in place, and

to Jessica, she kept a wary eye on me. "When I called for Zachary's guardian, she

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

knew I was Zachary's mother. Instead, they all assumed Jessica was his mom. This meant Jessica had come here to

over me like a sharp knife, mercilessly stabbing

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?" Was she talking