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.

practically sprinted to the

them asked. "She's hotter than

had such a beautiful wife who loves

"I envy Steven now."

...

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

my tears, but it felt

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

gripped the wheel while his right

to look out

seemed afraid I'd misunderstand him. "Please

leaned against the seat and

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

"But after all

my eyes and looked at him. "But when Jessica

I said that, I broke down,

want a divorce just because you're worried Zachary wouldn't want to come with you.

heavier than the

revealed a hint of panic. "No, honey.

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

hear his nonsense anymore. I opened the passenger door and tried

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

tried to

moved with me, blocking my

those words, I

he said, "Come on. You're too grown up to be

me back against the car and cupped

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

him away. "Check on

snap out