The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 184

I reluctantly accepted his explanation. "Alright, then."

Zane let out a light laugh.

...

Steven opened his eyes and immediately noticed the absence of Jessica, who had always been beside him just days ago. His mood lifted at the sudden emptiness.

He got up and walked to Zachary's bedroom door, knocking lightly. "Time to get up! I'll take you to school today."

There was no answer.

Steven casually opened the door, only to find the room empty.

It was then he remembered that Zachary had spent the night at Chloe's house.

Steven made his way to the living room and sat down. It felt like everything had changed since he and Annalise had separated. The house no longer felt warm. Instead, it was cold and distant, the silence more suffocating than comforting.

...

dropped Willow off, we saw her

say goodbye to us before she ran over to the little girl. The little girl took Willow's hand, chatting as they

she listened patiently and focused entirely on her

it was reassuring to see

he didn't need to drop Zachary off, Steven still found himself at the kindergarten. He leaned against

moved out of the

Jessica were just living apart for now their

would telling Annalise even accomplish? What if she wanted to get back together with him? And if

...

I immediately set my laptop

the four sketches you sent over. We had a meeting and decided to

it to find it was

I quickly replied, "Alright."

a side project, I couldn't let it interfere with my main job. I turned on my computer and got back to

pulled out my phone. Since it was