The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Jessica knew Steven would always have Zachary's back regardless of his mistakes. Her mind was racing. She reminded herself to slow down and be patient.

At first, Steven might spoil Zachary a little, but sooner or later, he'd likely get tired of Zachary. Jessica was sure she couldn't change her plans.

She playfully pinched Zachary's cheek and said gently, "I promise I'll treat you just like Cody from now on, deal?"

Zachary nodded eagerly. "Deal!"

Steven patted Jessica's hand, telling her to hang on. Then, he set Zachary down from his arms. "Go grab some dinner."

Zachary joyfully sprinted to the living room.

Jessica glanced at Steven before turning to head into the bedroom

"Jessica " Steven closed the door and wrapped her in a hug from behind. "Kids don't really understand. Please don't hold it against him."

Jessica scoffed. "It's obviously his fault-

"But can you stand to see him go hungry?" Steven's voice was gentle.

Jessica stayed quiet.

Steven continued, "I get that this has been hard on you, so just let me

let me know what you need, and I'll handle it."

"I want to hire a nanny and a driver," Jessica said, turning to him. "I'm pregnant and can't do it all by myself."

"Sure," Steven replied affectionately.

Jessica wrapped her arms around his neck. "And we need a bigger house."

"Sure, I'll go with what you say." Steven was always keen to make her happy.

Willow didn't feel the urge to impress her classmates anymore. After waking from her afternoon nap, she hung out with Zane and me like family. Then, we decided to check out the bookstore. brings you here?"

We were just about to walk in when someone called out my name. "Annalise, what b

I turned at the familiar voice and saw Steven helping Jessica as they slowly walked toward us.

I looked away, brushed him off, and took Willow's hand instead. "We don't have to worry about someone we don't know."

Steven heard that. He quickly left Jessica and hurried over to me. "Don't you want to explain? Who are they?"

Willow clung to my leg, trembling with fear..

Thad promised Zane I wouldn't let my family problems affect her, so I crouched and suggested, "Why don't you go upstairs with Daddy for a bit and do some reading?"

Even though Willow was scared, she stood before me and said, "No, Mommy. I want to protect you!"

Her words warmed my heart. It didn't matter that Willow wasn't my biological daughter. She was determined to protect me even in times like this. I felt so grateful to have such an incredible daughter. But I didn't wa

her to get involved in adult problems. I spoke to her patiently, "Willow, trust me, I've got this."This text is © NôvelDrama/.Org.

Willow shot a wary glare at Steven, her voice barely above a whisper as it she were scared of being left behind. "Will you still be my moramy when you're done talking to him?" Istroked her head. "Ofill-

Only then did Willow walk over to Zane

Zane glanced at me, then at Steven, his tone as flat as ever. "Just let me know if you need any help. We'll be close by." It was clear he was on my side