The Unveiled Rose

After Zachary left, Chloe couldn't shake her worry. As such, she called Steven to check on him. "Has Zachary gone back yet?" "No, why?" Steven replied calmly.

Upon hearing that, Chloe immediately grew anxious. "He said he was going back home, and he packed up all his things from here!"

Fearing that something might happen to Zachary on his way, she quickly called him.

Zachary groggily answered the phone.

Chloe asked, "Where are you?"

"At the old house," Zachary replied.

Technically, it wasn't an old house. In fact, the house was less than five years old. Still, he referred to it that way since it was the first house the family ever bought.

Once Chloe confirmed that Zachary was safe, she sighed in relief and asked, "Why didn't you go to Daddy's place?"

Zachary calmly responded, "Isn't he supposed to be focusing on building his relationship with Ms. Jessie? I don't want to interrupt him."

Chloe said, "You can stay here with me. You're not that young anymore."

Then, Zachary replied, "Once Ms. Jessie's baby is born, you'll be taking care of her child. Your time to rest will be limited. If I stayed with you, you'll have to take care of me as well, and that would mean you wouldn't have any time for yourself." He even laughed as he said that.

However, Chloe felt a pang in her heart. "Did you hear what I said to your dad?"

Zachary answered without hesitation, "Yes. You've always been good to me, and I appreciate it. Soon, you'll have someone you like even more.

"Don't worry, I won't get jealous, and I won't stop you from being good to Ms. Jessie's baby. From now on, we'll go our separate ways. I probably won't be a part of your life again to disturb you."

At only five years old, he spoke with such calmness, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Chloe's heart ached. She wanted to explain, but before she could say anything, the call ended.

Just as Zachary finished his call with Chloe, Steven's call came through.

Zachary politely asked, "Daddy, is something wrong? Why are you calling so late?"

"Of course," Steven replied. "Aren't you staying at Grandma's anymore?"

Zachary answered honestly, "I don't like hearing her bad-mouth Mommy, and I realized her love for me isn't as deep as Mommy's."

"Is that the reason you're moving out on your own?" Steven snapped. "You're just a kid. You can't be without a guardian!"

Zachary continued, "Didn't she just tell you today to be nicer to Ms. Jessie's unborn child? Once Ms. Jessie's baby is born, she'll surely love that child more than me. I can't demand that she love me more-that's why I'm moving out. It's not a big deal, is it?" Steven responded, "If you don't like her, then come back!"

As Zachary's father, Steven felt responsible for his son's safety. He said firmly, "You need a guardian to ensure you grow up healthy and safe."

"Didn't you spend all your time with Ms. Jessie and left me behind when you and Mommy divorced? Back then, you didn't care about me. Why are you pretending to be so concerned now?" Zachary questioned coldly.

He continued with resolve, "I was young and listened to everything you said. What did that lead to? I lost Mommy. Daddy, even though I'm still young, I've been through a lot. I'm more mature now, and I can take responsibility for my choices. Please don't try to stop me."