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,

of them

such a beautiful wife who loves me,

"I envy Steven now."

...

the passenger seat. At this point, I had no

gently wiped away my tears, but it felt like he

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

left hand gripped the wheel while his right reached out to hold

and turned to look out the window. "Just

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

seat and closed my

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

he quickly added, "But after

eyes and looked at him. "But when Jessica came

I said that,

Zachary wouldn't want to come with you. So you've made time for Jessica to bond with Zachary."

felt heavier than

aback by my anger. His voice revealed a hint of

Jessica first came back, I did spend some time with her. I thought that would rekindle our old feelings, but

to hear his nonsense anymore. I opened the passenger door

I was with her, all

to sidestep

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

I looked

too grown up to be sulking like

against the car

wondered if he was safe now. How could I be in the mood to be

pushed him away. "Check

seemed to snap out of it.