The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 456

Steven felt suffocated.

Tears started to roll down his cheeks and onto the floor, causing his vision to turn blurred. He wiped the tears off his face so that he could see Annalise clearly.

...

Portia heard the door opening when Zachary returned home. She smiled and hurried to the door to greet him.

"Are you back?" she asked.

Zachary looked at Portia's beaming face, and a strange feeling surged in his heart. Ever since his parents' divorce, no one had greeted him with this much warmth.

He felt deeply moved. Not wanting to disappoint his grandmother, he responded, "Yeah."

Portia took Zachary's backpack and said, "I made the soup today, while Ms. Ludwig made the rest of the dishes. Her culinary skill is really good. I watched her cook the whole time." Portia sighed and continued, "I don't know why, but even with the same dishes, hers always looks more delicious."

Zachary enjoyed this kind of interaction. Even if there weren't many topics to talk about while living with a family, there were always opportunities for casual chatter.

that so?" he asked

without hesitation, "Yes. Why

wash his hands and sat at the dining table.

opened his mouth

had such a hearty meal! When Mom was still around, she doted on me. Every day, she

But

and Mom divorced..."

paused before continuing, "When Jessica cooked while Dad wasn't around, she wouldn't let me have any food. There were even times when she took her son out to

nothing to eat

the fridge.

hospitalized. Jessica even told Dad it was my fault for being greedy,

Swney

happened, Zachary felt it was unfair. He hadn't done

time, Zachary realized that Jessica could act this way and get away

what Jessica did,

heartbroken, frustrated, and unsure how