The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 9

Steven replied with a hint of helplessness, "Because we have a child."

"That's why you had Jessica secretly contact Zachary, right?" someone asked excitedly. "As long as Zachary accepts Jessica as his mom, you can reunite with her and raise Zachary together." Steven's friends tease him, "You really are smart for planning this out!"

So Steven had orchestrated for Jessica to approach Zachary?

No wonder when he sent Zachary to Chloe's place, she immediately took him to Jessica's house to build that connection. No wonder the kindergarten teachers called Jessica Zachary's mom. And here I was, foolishly trying to convince myself to forgive him.

I was shaking all over, desperately trying to calm myself down, but everything felt hopeless.

Before Steven could reply, his phone rang. He answered immediately, "Yes, Jessica?

"What? Zachary cut his wrist? Hold on. I'll be right there!"

Upon hearing that, I felt like I'd been struck by lightning.

Zachary chose Jessica right there at the school. Logically, he should've been happy after going home with Jessica. So why did he suddenly fall into despair?

I couldn't figure it out.

The blows kept coming, sapping all my strength. I leaned against the wall to stay upright, but my body threatened to collapse. "Zachary..."

Steven rushed into the office. When he saw me, he froze at once.

I wanted to show some strength in front of his friends, but my tears kept flowing.

His friends were stunned as well. They exchanged glances with each other, unsure of what to say.

Seeing how distraught I was, Steven quickly came over and lifted me into his arms. "Zachary's going to be okay, honey. You don't need to worry too much."

I covered my face with my hands, as I didn't want to feel more embarrassed in front of everyone.

the elevator,

that Annalise?" one of them asked.

If I had such

"I envy Steven now."

...

the car door and helped me into the passenger seat. At this point, I had no strength to resist. I just sat

gently wiped away my tears,

explain, but I didn't want to hear it. "Let's just go to the hospital and see what's going on with Zachary." Worried about Zachary's safety, Steven quickly shut the door, started

focused on the road. His left hand gripped the wheel while

turned to look out

afraid I'd misunderstand him.

against the seat

I loved at first wasn't you," he said as he watched my reflection in the rearview

"But after all these years together and

at him. "But

as I said that, I

up anyway. "You don't want a divorce just because you're worried Zachary wouldn't want to come with you. So you've made time for Jessica to bond with Zachary." "Steven," I cried,

heavier

my anger. His voice revealed a hint of

thought that would rekindle our old feelings, but it just didn't happen." Just then, the car stopped in front

his nonsense anymore. I

of me. "When I was with her, all I

to

me, blocking my path again. "I couldn't betray

I looked up

sigh, he said, "Come on. You're too grown up to be sulking like this before letting

the car

had just cut his wrist. I wondered if he was safe now. How could I be in the mood

him away. "Check on

to snap out