The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Steven followed Zachary into the bedroom, only to freeze in place the moment he stepped inside.

The walls were completely covered with photos of Annalise.

On the desk, a small robot suddenly spoke in Annalise's signature gentle voice. "Welcome home, my

dear son."

Steven stared in disbelief. Zachary, seated in front of the robot, smiled and responded, "Yes, Mom. I'm home."

"Welcome back." Annalise's voice sounded soothing.

Zachary continued, "But we have an unwelcome guest today."

The robot offered a solution in the same warm voice, "Should we call someone else over to get rid of

him?"

Zachary looked at Steven.

He had managed to endure his longing for Annalise through the robot and the countless photos surrounding him, but what about Steven?

When he saw Steven staring at his treasured robot, Zachary's expression darkened. "Did you hear that? You're not welcome here. Leave."

Steven stood frozen for a moment before finally asking, "Can I ask who gave you this robot?"

"No." Zachary's expression remained stony.

Steven averted his gaze, shifting his focus to Zachary instead. Initially, he was shocked, as he had no idea where Zachary had gotten such a robot-he had even considered getting one for himself.

However, seeing how fiercely Zachary guarded it sent a chill down his spine.

Only then did Steven realize that Zachary's condition was worse than his own.

He said seriously, "Zachary, I think we really need to talk."

Zachary laughed at that. "And in what capacity do you want to talk to me?"

Steven replied, "As your father, of course!"

Zachary said calmly, "But you already made it clear a long time ago that you're not my father anymore.

So, do you have any other identity to use? If not, then you should leave."

At first, Zachary didn't mind talking

to him. But then, something in Steven's gaze made him

uncomfortable, and he lost interest in continuing the conversation

have other things to do. I don't have time for this nonsense."

At that moment, the robot's voice chimed in, puzzled, "Sweetheart, you don't sound very happy. Are you upset?"

Zachary sighed, sounding aggrieved. "A little. But don't worry, I'll handle it."

Steven silently observed their

interaction, and for a brief moment, he thought maybe having a robot like this wouldn't be so bad. It wouldn't change the fact that his

emotions were a mess, but at least it could ease the loneliness of

Annalise's absence.

He asked, "Can you give me this robot?"noveldrama

"Absolutely not," Zachary refused without hesitation.

He was stupid and failed to protect Annalise. If he couldn't even hold onto the

second version of her, then he didn't deserve to be her son.

Having the robot by his side made him feel like his mother's was still present and that he was loved.

Steven wanted to push further, but before he could, Zachary raised his voice and shouted, "We have an unwelcome guest! Please see him out."

Steven barely had time to react before Hannah, Harry, and Portia arrived. All three of them wore unfriendly expressions.

Portia's expression darkened as she said, "I'll escort you out."

Steven glanced at the robot one last time before reluctantly following her.

Portia walked behind him until they reached the hallway. "Let's talk downstairs."

Steven nodded. "Fine."

The moment they stepped out of the elevator, Portia said, "Back then, when you said you wouldn't raise Zachary, I made everything

clear to you, didn't I? Youve et

agreed to

all the conditions I set. So what are you doing?"