The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

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Zachary stood there dumbfounded, but he instinctively asked, "Why?"

Jessica used to take him everywhere, so why did things change?

"Because you're not a good boy." Jessica sneered. She was an adult, so dealing with a child like him was a piece of cake.

Looking down at him with cold disdain, she continued, "When you were sick, I didn't go to the hospital with you because I wasn't feeling well. Yet you got upset, told your dad, and made him hate me. So, naturally..." Jessica's voice dripped with malice. "I'm not going to make things easy for you. Got it?"

Zachary quickly nodded. "I'll change. From now on, no matter what happens, I won't tell Daddy, okay?"

He just wanted Jessica to treat him a little better.

"It's too late. "Jessica packed up and left with Cody.

Zachary tried to follow, but she shoved him hard. He fell onto the floor as the door slammed shut. Once again, he was all alone.

He stared at the door. He loved Jessica so much. He even helped drive Annalise away just for her, but why was Jessica so cruel to him?

Willow's appetite was small, and they had ordered too much pizza. After a few slices, she was full.

Resting her chin on her hands, she looked at Zane with wide eyes. "When will I be able to eat as much as Daddy?"

Zane put down his chopsticks and gave her a speechless look. I could tell Zane was getting full, too, so I suggested, "Should we get the leftovers to-go?"

Willow immediately raised her tiny hand in agreement. "Yes!"

She added, "That way, I can try the other flavors when we get home."

Zane waved over to the walter. "Could we get these packed to go?"

The walter quickly gathered the leftover pizza into boxes and handed them over in a bag. Zane reached out to take the bag and was ready to leave. But Willow stopped him, snatched the bag, and handed it to me. She then winked mischievously at me. I couldn't help but laugh at her playful expression.

Zane looked shocked. Was Willow actually being considerate and not wanting him to carry something heavy?

He was touched. When he was about to express his gratitude seriously, Willow opened her arms wide and announced, "Daddy, it's time to go to the amusement park!

Zane was speechless. Willow was worried that making me carry her would tire her out, so she gave me the pizza to carry instead.

Zane's heart sarik a little, but he obediently picked up Willow. She buried her face in Zane's shoulder, giggling as she comforted him, " Didn't Daddy say Mommy shouldn't be too tired because she is not feeling well?" Zane agreed. "That's right."

It was only then that Willow waved at me. I quickly stepped forward, and she snatched the pizza trom my hands and handed it to Zane. She spoke in an admiring for

"Daddy is so strong! Carrying a little more won't tire him at all"

Zane took the bag with a sigh. "Should I thank you?

His tone was resigned, but his eyes were full of indulgence for Willow. Watching them, I suddenly realized something

Raising a child with Zane was different. He noticed my efforts and acknowledged that my health wasn't the best. He made sure overburden me. But in my previous marriage, no matter how much I did or how many sacrifices I made, neither Steven not Zachary

I followed behind them. At that moment, I felt deeply grateful that I had escaped such an unhealthy relationship. Although Zane wasn't my husband, and Willow wasn't any biological daughter, spending time with them made me understand what a healthy par child relationsh