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

hesitation, "Yes. Why don't

bathroom to wash his hands and sat at the dining table. He looked

opened his mouth

I've had such a hearty meal! When Mom was still around, she doted on me. Every day, she would ask what I liked to eat, and when I got home from school, the table was always full

But ever

and Mom divorced..."

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

nothing to

fridge.

was my fault for being greedy, and

Swney

first time this happened, Zachary felt it was unfair. He hadn't done anything wrong. How could Jessica lie

act this way and get

Jessica did,

heartbroken, frustrated, and unsure how to handle these situations. No matter what he tried, nothing