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.

...

usual. When we dropped Willow off, we saw her standing at

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

the other day, she listened patiently and focused entirely on

still couldn't speak with others, it was reassuring to see her make a friend. I turned

found himself at the kindergarten. He leaned against his car,

to tell her that Jessica had moved out of the house, but

were just living apart for

accomplish? What if she wanted to get back together with him? And if that happened, how would he explain things to Jessica?

...

the office, I immediately set my laptop down

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

opened it to find it was the first draft I had

I quickly replied, "Alright."

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

out my