The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 7

Zachary looked up at Steven. His tear-filled eyes reflected a child's innocence and confusion, evoking pitiness.

Steven crouched down, allowing Zachary to gaze directly into his eyes.

"Please say okay, Daddy," Zachary whimpered between sobs.

"You're still just a kid." Steven was always fond of Zachary. He reached out to tousle Zachary's hair affectionately. "If you keep throwing tantrums at Mommy, you're going to regret it when you're older."

"No, I won't!" Zachary shook his head vigorously. As if to reassure Steven, he wiped away his tears and declared, "Daddy, I want to live with Ms. Jessie. I dream about her being my mom every night!"

Each word he spoke was resolute, leaving no room for doubt.

Steven didn't respond. He merely patted Zachary's shoulder before standing up.

I turned around, struggling to meet Zachary's gaze.

I had always thought that his desire to become a family with Jessica was just a fleeting whim. But with his repeated outbursts, it was clear he wasn't joking. He genuinely longed for Jessica to be his mother.

What about me, his mother, who had unconditionally devoted myself to him? Was I just meant to be cast aside?

Pain welled in my heart, as if countless ants were gnawing at it.

"Honey." Steven wrapped his arms around me. His large hand softly patted my back to comfort me. "Don't be upset. Zachary is still young. He doesn't really understand what he's saying."

I had often told myself not to take Zachary's words to heart. He was just a child, and I should be more forgiving. Yet, his innocent but blunt remarks always managed to pierce right through me.

I struggled to let out a hum while in his arms. Once my emotions stabilized, I finally stepped out of his embrace. "Let's eat."

Steven released me, and I turned to the kitchen to place the dishes on the table.

Concerned I might burn myself, Steven took the initiative to handle the heavy pot.

Zachary, clearly disappointed at not getting his way, exclaimed, "Daddy!"

"Time to eat!" Steven said firmly. "Don't make me say it again."

Only then did Zachary reluctantly comply. He held his spoon and took small slips of the oatmeal.

With the glass shards scattered across the floor, I feared someone would get hurt, so I began cleaning while they ate.

As Zachary chewed, he swung his legs and muttered, "I hate Mommy! I hate Mommy!"

My hand froze mid-sweep.

Before the ache in my heart settled, I reminded myself that I had anticipated this.

During the initial period when I prevented Zachary from contacting Jessica, he would undoubtedly react with intense resistance, and his words would become increasingly harsh. I just needed to hold on a little longer.

After sweeping up the last shard of the glass, I returned to find them finishing their breakfast. Steven guided Zachary toward the door, reminding him, "Say goodbye to Mommy."

"No!" Zachary huffed and turned his head away from me.

I stood inside the house, watching the two of them. The intense pain in my heart seemed to finally subside.

"Honey." Steven took my hand and leaned in to plant a soft kiss on my lips. "Don't take it too personally. This phase will pass."

"I know."

…

Zachary's kindergarten was a daycare center. Every day, he had to be dropped off before 8:00 am and picked up by 6:00 pm.

Steven typically said he was too busy to bother me. So, he would pick up Zachary after work.

But today, I decided to reclaim the responsibility of picking up our son. I believed that spending more time together might strengthen our bond.

I didn't inform Steven about my decision. I thought it would be a nice surprise for our family to go home together.