The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

What kind of mother could just walk away from her own child? As for Zachary, did he really think that Annalise's indifference as his mother was somehow justified? Harry caught Hannah's questioning glance. Seeing the pain on Zachary's face, they both held their tongues.

He was just a kid, after all. This was already too much for him to handle. What if their questions pushed him over the edge?

...

Pulling up near Zane's house, Zachary noticed Steven's car parked on the street not far away. Instead of getting out, he stayed put as he watched Annalise on her morning run.

It was the same routine every day, but Zachary never seemed to tire of watching. He did not dare look away, as if he did not even want to miss even a moment.NôvelDrama.Org: owner of this content.

Only after they finished their workout and headed inside did Zachary finally tear his gaze away. Getting out of the car, he approached Steven and asked, "What are you doing here?" Steven's voice shook as he spoke, "I've realized that your mom is the one I truly love."

Zachary was not shocked. Steven might be slow with feelings, but he was not stupid. It was bound to click eventually. He did not think he could hide this from Steven forever. "You're too late." Zachary's voice was icy. "Mommy's found her place in Willow's family."

Annalise had people who genuinely loved her now. No way would she take back a cheater and the son who had helped his mistress torment her.

The words hit Steven like a physical blow. He could barely breathe through the pain. After a few minutes, he finally managed to regain his composure.

He tried not to think about what Zachary had just said. "You watch them every day, so you must know where things stand between them, right?"

"I know plenty." Zachary's childish voice was unnaturally hard. "But why would I tell you anything, Daddy?

"If you hadn't dragged me along while contacting Jessica in secret and constantly badmouthed Mommy in front of me, I would. never have turned on her. I would never have helped Jessica hurt her!"

His voice cracked with emotion. "If I hadn't done those things, Mommy would've fought for custody during the divorce. I could've been living with someone who actually loved me"

Zachary's eyes blazed with anger as he glared at Steven. "This is all your fault! I lost my mom at five years old because of you!"

The hatred in his voice was clear.

"Just tell me what you know," Steven pleaded desperately. "Once I win her back, we can be a family again."

Zachary shook his head. "That's never happening. Mommy will never forgive what we did!"

Chloe meant what she said about keeping tabs on Jessica, and she was not about to back down. With Zachary still out, she drove to Jessica's place and rang the doorbell. When Jessica heard the chime, she made her way from the living room. Seeing Chloe at her front door, she asked with surprise, "Why are you here?"

"I warned you about messing with

Zachary the other day," Chloe said

with a fake smile. "But the minute I left, you went running to Steven. Clearly, you didn't take me seriously.

"So here I am. Let's have another chat, shall we?"