The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 655

I couldn't understand how Steven could so unconditionally side with Jessica time and time again, only to deny having romantic feelings for her. I wondered who had misled him into thinking he was definitely in love with me,

Zane did not reply after hearing my answer.

The silence stretched between us, but before I could say something to break it, he asked calmly, "Were you heartbroken when you learned that Zachary had been picked on?"

I countered, "Why would I be? He might be young, but I can't deny he has what it takes to stand up for himself. And his revenge is well-plotted for a child his age. At least he didn't take the bullying without putting up a fight."

My next words came from the bottom of my heart. "Honestly, I was pretty glad to see Steven cornered like that. It's as if the universe decided to teach him a lesson before I could.

"As for Zachary, I don't think I harbor any sentiments toward him. After all, I've considered him a lost cause from the moment he chose to help Jessica get rid of my baby. He has been Jessica's son since, not mine."

I looked at Zane as I asked rhetorically, "It wouldn't make sense for my heart to break over someone else's son's suffering, right?"

Zane stared at me, and emotions I couldn't describe flickered across his usually icy gaze. After a long pause, he said, "You have a point."

…

Zachary did not go home immediately after leaving the Huxham residence. Instead, he had Harry park somewhere safe before he stared out the window at the well-lit house.

Since he built the robot that played Annalise's voice, he convinced himself that it was just like having her around.

But after sitting with Annalise in the same living room and feeling her warmth despite her silence, he had filled the hollowness in his chest. He felt loved and at ease with the world.