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.

about to push open the door, Zachary charged over and blocked my way like a cub protecting its territory. "This room belongs

words, Jessica had occupied my bedroom as well. She

my way, I turned

single woman with a child... It won't be convenient for her to squeeze into the guest room. "So,

watched my husband invest so much thought into matters concerning another

Jessica inciting Zachary into harming me, just so he would feel embarrassed by how wrong he was about her. But I had changed

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 said, "But I'm back

reluctantly refused, "It's not a good time

about this. I'll leave." Jessica displayed her caringness. "I told you it wouldn't make sense for me to stay in the master bedroom. After

looked like she was ready to

"No." Steven stopped her.

"Mommy, from the day you moved in, this bedroom has been yours only!" Steven openly agreed with him,

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

your fault." Seemingly dissatisfied with my attitude, he berated me, "Hey, Annalise. I know you're not supposed to be

2/20

I forbidden to come home just because you told your mistress to move

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

Jessica back to the living

Pfft!

about what

Steven turned around.

so, why not just get over with the divorce now? Once you agree, everything will be