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.

open the door, Zachary charged over and blocked my way like a cub protecting

Jessica had occupied my bedroom as

in my way, I turned to Steven behind Zachary

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

invest so much

just so he would feel embarrassed by how wrong he was about her. But

what I observed, Steven cared for Jessica so deeply that he continually lowered his boundaries, prioritizing her over his own family to keep her happy. Even if I gave him the evidence now, he would only presume I was making a big deal out of nothing in her defense. Thus, I planned not to let him have

said,

not a good time to make

sense for me to stay in the master bedroom. After all, this is your home, while I'm just

looked like she

"No." Steven stopped her.

her and hugged her waist. "Mommy, from the day you moved in, this

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

"You don't have to apologize to her. It's not your fault." Seemingly dissatisfied with my attitude, he berated me, "Hey, Annalise. I know you're

2/20

"Am I forbidden to come home just

in the guest room with me! What's so complicated about this? All you ever do is crash the party.

brought Jessica

Pfft!

best about what I'm thinking?" I

Steven turned around.

only care about Jessica, don't you? If so, why not just get over with the divorce now? Once you agree, everything will be so much easier." Standing before