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.

sprinted to the elevator, leaving his

Annalise?" one of them asked. "She's

her. If I had such a beautiful wife who loves me, I'd definitely

"I envy Steven now."

...

me into the passenger seat. At this point, I had no strength to resist. I just sat there, letting him fasten

away my tears, but it felt like he

see what's going on with Zachary." Worried about Zachary's safety, Steven quickly shut the door, started the car, and sped off

left hand gripped the wheel while his

away and turned to look out the window. "Just

seemed afraid I'd misunderstand him. "Please let me

the seat and closed

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

after

I opened my eyes and looked at him. "But

soon as I said that, I

and my silent sacrifices all felt so futile. But I decided to speak 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, "Zachary has already accepted Jessica as his mom. And what about you? When do you plan

word felt heavier

my anger. His voice revealed a hint of panic.

some time with her. I thought that would rekindle our old feelings, but it just didn't happen." Just then, the car

want to hear his nonsense anymore. I opened the passenger door

me. "When I was with her, all I

tried to

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

those words, I looked up at

on. You're too grown up to be sulking like this before

he pushed me back against the

could think about was Zachary, who had just cut his wrist. I wondered if he was safe now. How could I be in the mood to

him away.

to snap out