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 spoon and

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

he swung his legs and muttered, "I hate Mommy! I

My hand froze mid-sweep.

in my heart settled, I reminded myself

words would become increasingly harsh. I just needed to hold on a little longer. After sweeping up the last shard of the glass,

Zachary huffed and turned his head away from

house, watching the two of them. The intense pain in my heart seemed

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

"I know."

...

he had to be dropped off

typically said he was too busy to bother me. So, he

today, I decided to reclaim the responsibility of picking up our son. I believed that

inform Steven about my decision. I thought it would be a

finished my chores and even left an hour early.

electric gate opened, the teachers held back the children. They confirmed each parent's name before allowing them to leave with their families. "Zachary

raised my hand and

another figure

dress with her wavy hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore elaborate makeup and radiated a warm,

up Zachary and even claiming to be his guardian? Had

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

me frozen in place, and my heart ached

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

Jessica as Mrs. Pelham? My

assumed Jessica was his mom. This meant Jessica had come here to pick up Zachary multiple times without my knowledge. But who had brought her here to pick up Zachary that made Holly assume she was

me like a sharp

Was it Steven?

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