The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Jessica received the presents and thanked each of them. She was even moved to tears and choked out, "I can't believe my dream came true. We're actually becoming a real family. I'm over the moon!"

"Don't say that." Steven appeared reluctant to see her cry and consoled her awkwardly, "Eat, or the food will go cold."

They happily headed to the dining area.

Right then, Steven halted suddenly and turned on his heels. I was standing right at the door, and his smile instantly froze. The others similarly turned toward me upon noticing his movement. When they realized I was back, their faces darkened. I looked at them, struggling to suppress my intense fury.

It had been less than a week since I had a miscarriage, yet not only did my perpetrator feel zero ounce of remorse, but et pretended nothing had happened, celebrating in my house!

I withdrew my icy gaze and went straight to my bedroom, not planning to waste a second interacting with them.

Steven suddenly grabbed my wrist when I walked past him. "Just in time, honey. Come eat with us."

Oven

I stopped and scoffed at him. "You're celebrating her and her son's additions to the family as you all become a family of four. What am I celebrating? That you guys got what you wanted and made me lose my baby?"

I had always been soft and gentle speaking at home, and no matter how ridiculous he acted, I would never humiliate him in front of others. This was the first time I made an exception. I was firm, cold, and harsh.

Naturally, Steven wasn't used to it. He was about to respond, but I couldn't care less about what he had to say. Breaking free from his grip, I strode toward my bedroom.

blocked my way

other words, Jessica had occupied my bedroom as well. She had truly infiltrated my

I turned to Steven behind Zachary

been back in the last few days. Plus, she's a single woman with a child... It won't be convenient for her to squeeze into the guest room. "So, I thought she could move into this

watched my husband invest so much thought

I planned to disclose the evidence of Jessica inciting Zachary into harming me, just so he would feel embarrassed by how wrong he was about her. But I had changed my

keep her happy. Even if I gave him the evidence now, he would only presume I was making a big deal

I said, "But I'm back

"It's not a good time to make

make sense for me to stay in

she was ready to

"No." Steven stopped her.

you moved

looked apologetically at me. "I'm sorry, Annalise. It's not that

fault." Seemingly dissatisfied with my attitude, he berated me, "Hey, Annalise. I know

2/20

I had no plan to put up with this. "Am I forbidden to come home just because you told your mistress to move

complicated about this? All you ever do is

brought Jessica back

Pfft!

you know best about

Steven turned around.

a divorce." I stayed calm and enunciated, "You only care about Jessica, don't you? If so, why not just get over