The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 111

For the first time, Zachary felt like such an idiot. Why did it take such a long time for him to realize what an amazing mom I had been?

He begged, "Can you please forgive me?"

Watching him cry his eyes out, I felt numb for some reason. "Does forgiveness even matter at this point?"

His sobs were cut off as he stared at me, stunned.

"Life's about choices and consequences," I said calmly. "Some mistakes just can't be undone."

He wiped his tears frantically. "But I'm just a kid..."

I replied evenly, "Kids still need to own their choices."

He tried to pull himself together but could not stop crying.

"I hope this teaches you something." I then continued calmly, "Think before you act next time."

Still sobbing, Zachary managed a weak "okay".

I glanced at Zane. "Let's go."

He nodded. "Alright."

…

Leaning against his car, Steven watched Zachary from afar. The poor kid was too proud to break down in front of his classmates, but the tears just kept coming.

"Do you feel bad for Zachary?" Jessica asked from inside the car while looking at Steven, who stayed quiet.

She continued, "Are you thinking about getting back with Annalise?"

"That's enough." Steven clearly felt uncomfortable hearing her words. Buckling up, he added, "Jessica, we both know damn well why she slept with your ex."

He was not sure what was up with Annalise and Zane, but they definitely were not married. They were not even an item.

He had seen enough couples to know that pairs would usually have that spark, whether they were married or just dating each other. But Annalise and Zane felt like total strangers. That thought lifted his mood a bit.

Jessica clutched her skirt without realizing it. Was he seriously making excuses for Annalise?

Steven concluded, "You'd better pretend nothing has happened."

Seeing his expression, Jessica looked away, stone-faced. Then, it hit her.

The video of Casper and Annalise was still her ace in the hole. As long as the video existed, Steven and Annalise would never get back together!

Jessica could finally breathe easy.