The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 295

How had Annalise endured Steven's and Zachary's mistreatments toward her back then? Had she simply felt that she shouldn't take it to heart as it was a trivial matter?

Had she then proceeded to hide herself away in order to process her negative emotions on her own, all so she could continue to treat them with her usual warmth when they returned home?

Steven didn't know.

He looked at Zachary and said calmly, "I know you hate me a lot right now, but know this—no matter what I did, it was all for your sake."

Zachary was already sick and tired of hearing such words.

"But you left me without a mother! How is that 'for my sake'?" he yelled, tears streaming down his face. "I don't want anything but Mommy right now, Daddy!"

Eventually, all the crying tired him out, and he fell into a deep sleep.

Steven then walked forward to embrace him lovingly. He looked silently at Zachary, his expression unreadable.

After Zachary had fallen asleep, Chloe finally had the chance to speak. "Don't you find Zachary's behavior far too out of line, Steven? You work tirelessly day and night, all for his sake, yet he doesn't appreciate you at all!"

She continued, "How about you not break up with Jessica? She's still carrying your child, after all. Assuming Zachary never forgives you, if you choose to raise that unborn child of yours, you'll at least have someone to take care of you in your old age."

Steven frowned, replying, "Enough, Mom. I have a plan."

Upon hearing his words, Chloe finally withdrew her gaze reluctantly. "But you must remember what I told you!"

Zachary hadn't actually fallen asleep at all. When he heard everything Chloe said, he suddenly realized that she didn't really love him as much as he'd thought.

In her eyes, he was raised simply for the purpose of taking care of Steven in his old age. However, in the event that he came into conflict with Steven, he was easily disposable.

A single tear slid gently down his face.

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