The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 213

Penelope stared at me, her eyes full of hope. "Can I?"

"Of course," I replied.

...

A car came to a stop not far from the villa.

Zachary was in the car. Hannah was also with him, seriously giving him a lesson.

Zachary glanced toward the villa, then returned his focus to the lesson.

For some reason, being near Annalise's house gave him a sense of peace. It felt as if she were close by, even if she wasn't.

He decided that from now on, he would learn whatever Willow learned. He convinced himself that this was part of the plan Annalise had made for him. As a well-behaved child, of course, he would study hard and not disappoint her.

The lesson covered a lot. Zachary was quick to grasp everything. Hannah was very pleased and wanted to continue teaching him.

Then, came the sound of knocking on the car window.

Zachary turned to see Steven standing outside. He opened the car door, stepped out, and told Harry, "Take Ms. Ludwig home."

Harry nodded, replying, "Okay."

forget to come back and pick me

"Sure."

watched as they drove off. He then turned and walked over to Steven. "Why are you

All he knew was that he had drunk a lot, and his mind was oddly clear. He felt as though his heart had been emptied out, and he was desperately lonely. He needed to be close to Annalise to feel better. As Steven leaned against the car, he said, "I want to

is it?"

think I love

didn't love

herself said he didn't love her, but he couldn't

he

a question. He lowered his head, not wanting

didn't plan to tell

you like someone,

with them

you

should

out of

the house for Jessica?"

his head. "That's why I think you don't really love

"Is that

Steven didn't like the

left him feeling frustrated,