The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 2

I held the tablet tightly as I walked out of Zachary's room and headed straight for Steven's study. I just couldn't understand why it had to be Jessica. The first time I heard that name was at our wedding.

Back then, Steven treated me so well. Whenever I felt down, he'd comfort me, saying, "It's okay. Nobody's perfect." And he'd patiently stay with me until I felt better. When I got sick, he dropped everything to take care of me.

Because of that, I decided to marry him, even though it meant moving far away.

As I stood in my wedding dress, clutching a bouquet, dreaming about our future, I overheard his friends chatting about his first love.

"I thought Steven and Jessica would end up together. They loved each other so much back then."

"Yeah, they really were the perfect couple."

"What a shame."

Their genuine regret made me question whether Steven truly loved me. Just as I was about to confront him, I saw him approach them with a dark expression. His voice carried an intensity of anger I had never heard before.

"I've told you countless times that I hate Jessica! Perhaps I didn't make it clear before, so listen carefully now. If you ever mention her again in front of me, we're done!" Hearing those words eased my anxiety. He didn't just not love Jessica. He actually despised her.

But now, I couldn't shake the feeling of doubt. Why did he bring Zachary to see her after she returned, then?

For the first time, I questioned the happiness of my marriage.

I didn't knock on the door like I usually would. Instead, I pushed it open directly.

Steven was buried in work, but when he heard the door, he turned around. The moment he saw me, he dropped everything and walked over. "What's wrong, honey?"

His voice was gentle, like we were still in the honeymoon phase.

his concerned tone, my tears flowed uncontrollably.

same person who had

regular workouts gave him a well-proportioned physique that radiated a sense of security. He reached

as I replied,

ready to ask more, but I cut him off, saying,

from my cheek. "What group

through my tear-streaked vision. Did he really want to

'Happy Family' group chat with you and Jessica in

to hit him hard. Steven stepped closer and wrapped his arms around me while gently patting my back. "Honey, just calm down

felt tense, like a tightly wound bowstring

insisted on creating that group,"

What experiences had they shared that made him feel close enough to call

wanted to shift the blame, completely ignoring that the root of

shut my

"I saw everything, so don't treat me

Steven fell silent.

no response came. I turned to leave the study, but he hugged me from behind. "I'm sorry." My steps

wanted to help you with all the pressure of raising

yet he always managed to squeeze in time to have

wouldn't let go. "I didn't expect you to be upset. I'm

block and delete her contact as well. Please give me another chance, Annalise. I promise

hurt tone. "After everything we've been through, and for Zachary's sake...

pitiful plea made me think of

didn't understand anything. Just a little time

Jessica's indulgence, he was

got divorced and let Steven be with Jessica, Zachary would be the one to suffer in the end. So I had

just a single word, but it was so