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.

...

the little girl arrived earlier than usual. When we dropped Willow off, we saw her standing

over to the little girl. The little girl took Willow's hand, chatting as they walked forward

listened patiently and

of relief. Though Willow still couldn't speak with others, it was reassuring to see her make

Steven still found himself at the kindergarten. He leaned against his car, watching Annalise

tell her that Jessica had moved out of the house, but he hesitated as he took a

living apart for now their relationship wasn't completely

if she wanted to get back together with him? And if that happened, how would he explain things to Jessica? Steven's mood grew inexplicably

...

I immediately set my laptop down

game department had already sent me a message. "We've received the four sketches you sent over. We had a meeting and decided to go with this one." Then, a picture

find it was the first

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 sketching the line art I needed

the time I finished, I was exhausted. I lay back on the couch and pulled out my