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 friends

Annalise?" one of them asked.

such a

"I envy Steven now."

...

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

my tears, but it

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

the road. His left hand gripped the wheel while his right reached

turned to look out

I'd misunderstand him. "Please let

the seat and closed

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

saw my frown, he quickly added, "But after all

opened my eyes and looked at him. "But when Jessica came back, you realized

that, I

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

heavier than

His voice revealed a hint

Jessica first came back, I did spend some time with her. I thought that

to hear his nonsense anymore. I opened

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

to sidestep

blocking my path again. "I couldn't betray

words, I looked up

"Come on. You're too grown up to be sulking like this before letting me

back against the

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

pushed him away. "Check on

snap out of it.