The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 16

As if afraid I'd misunderstand, Zane quickly added, "Of course, we'll be paying you."

The problem was I hadn't gone through with my divorce. If I suddenly abandoned Steven and Zachary to look after a random child, it would probably stain Zane's image. I didn't know how to respond at that moment.

"I understand your situation now," he said, passing me a name card, and continued, "and that you need time to consider this. So, you don't have to give me an answer now."

I retrieved the black business card with gold foil painting.

Zane stood up. "I look forward to hearing back from you."

I looked at his retreating figure and bit my lip. I had no money or a place to stay, and I might really become homeless after the divorce.

Now that a golden opportunity had served itself on a silver platter, I had to seize it.

"One week."

Zane turned around and looked at me, seemingly confused.

I explained, "Give me one week, and I'll finalize my divorce. By then, I'll start working at your house. Would that be okay?"

By then, even if they realized I wasn't a good fit and fired me, I would still get paid. I could pay for my rental house and use it for daily living expenses while I searched for a new job. Zane seemed surprised. "Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

My so-

called family ignored my objection and had Jessica move into our home. Now, they could finally live happily as a family of four. However, I was still Steven's lawful wife, and Jessica would inevitably be labeled as the homewrecker regardless. Since he loved her so much, he would never put her through any grievances. I was confident he wouldn't take long to agree to the divorce.

Zane smiled. "I look forward to your great news, then."

After Zane left, I packed my bags and left the ward. As I walked out of the door, I was determined to end my marriage. All that was left to do now was return home and proceed with the divorce, even if their faces repulsed me.

It was already 8:00 pm when I arrived home. I pushed open the door and saw Jessica in the living room.

It seemed I was the only one who remembered the baby we had lost. At that moment, they seemed to be celebrating about something. "Here's to day one of Mommy Jessie moving in with us!" Zachary was elated, as he finally got what he wished for. "We must celebrate thi He carried a cake with candles, while Cody clapped excitedly.

Zachary continued, "And one more great news-Annoying Mommy is not home!"

Jessica burst into a smile and poked at his nose. "Oh, you!"

Then, he said mysteriously, "Close your eyes, Mommy Jessie."

Jessica thought he wanted her to make a wish, so she closed her eyes. Thus, she clasped her hands, mumbled to herself, and made her wish.

Once confirming she couldn't see him, he dashed into his bedroom, grabbed a bouquet of roses, and hid them behind his back. The roses were large, barely concealable by his tiny body.

After making her wish, Jessica opened her eyes and saw Zachary present the bouquet to her. "I'm so happy that you decided to become my mom!"

Cody, too, presented his present to Jessica. At that moment, they seemed like a harmonious family of four. While I...

I stood quietly at the door, watching them revel in their joyful occasion as Jessica took my place as the lady of the house.