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.

to the elevator, leaving his

one of them asked. "She's hotter than

Steven doesn't want to divorce her. If I had such a beautiful wife who loves

"I envy Steven now."

...

helped me into the passenger seat. At this point, I

beside me and gently wiped away my tears, but it felt like he

hospital and see what's going on with Zachary." Worried about Zachary's

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

and turned to look out the window. "Just

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

against the seat and closed my

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

he quickly added, "But after all these years together and raising a child

at him.

said that, I broke down,

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

word felt heavier than

anger. His voice revealed

even dare to pause. "When Jessica first came back, I did spend some time with her. I thought that would rekindle our old feelings, but

hear his nonsense anymore. I

me. "When I was with her,

tried to sidestep

my path again. "I couldn't betray

those words, I looked

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

me back against the car and cupped

who had just cut his wrist. I wondered if

pushed him away. "Check

seemed to snap out of