The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 182

The more Zachary cried, the more devastated he felt.

"I miss Mommy."

Chloe wrapped her arms around him. "Why don't you call her? Maybe she'll come back to see you."

Zachary sobbed and said, "She doesn't want me anymore."

Chloe's face darkened with frustration. "No matter what, you're her biological son. How could she be so heartless?"

Zachary winced at her words. It was because he had done things to disappoint Annalise. In the past, he didn't realize the consequences of doing such things. But now, seeing how Annalise treated Willow so well and how she treated him indifferently... It stung deeply.

He couldn't help but feel guilty. How much had Annalise suffered when he had hurt her?

Chloe was so angry that she started to curse Annalise.

Zachary gently tugged on Chloe's sleeve. "Grandma, it's not Mommy's fault."

already at this point,

but he knew Chloe wouldn't believe him. So, he shifted the topic quickly.

way, Zachary could write down all his thoughts, feelings, and guilt

room, he flicked on the light and got ready for a shower. Just

asked, "Are you coming

hesitate to answer, "No, I'm

if he went back, all he would hear was

thinking, and he explained without being prompted, "I just bought them

grasped the key point. "You bought them a house? Did

understand why Zachary would ask such a question, but he still

now that he truly realized his father loved Jessica, not

had been married for six years, and in all that time, Steven never once thought to give Annalise anything. But now, Steven had bought Jessica an expensive house and lavish jewelry. Zachary felt a pang of unfairness for

replied, "Sure. Do you

but resolute. "The house

...

have been exhausted today. She didn't even wait for me to finish the story before she collapsed into

covered her snugly, and then tiptoed out of her room,