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

her. If I had such a beautiful wife who

"I envy Steven now."

...

At this point, I had no

gently wiped away my tears, but it felt like he

going on with Zachary." Worried

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

to look

seemed afraid I'd misunderstand him. "Please let

the seat and

you," he said

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

looked at him. "But when

that, I broke

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

word felt heavier

anger. His voice revealed a hint of panic. "No, honey. Just

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

anymore. I opened the passenger door

of me. "When I was with her, all I could think about was that I couldn't betray this

to sidestep

blocking my path again. "I couldn't betray

I looked up

on. You're too grown up to

saying that, he pushed me back against the

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

away.

seemed to snap out of