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.

my tears flowed uncontrollably. Even at this moment, he still appeared

was the same

me. Standing at six feet two inches, he wasn't heavily muscled, but his regular workouts gave him a well-proportioned physique that radiated a sense of security. He reached out

as I replied,

ask more, but I cut him off,

from my cheek.

tear-streaked vision. Did he really want to play

voice grew louder as I nearly shouted, "The 'Happy Family' group chat with you and Jessica

arms around me while gently patting my back. "Honey,

a tightly wound

on creating that group,"

did Zachary even know Jessica? What experiences had they shared that made him

the blame, completely ignoring that the root of all this

my eyes.

his name drained me of all my strength. "I saw everything, so don't treat me

Steven fell silent.

felt like an eternity, but no response came. I turned to

I just wanted to help you with all the pressure of raising Zachary." Hah! What did he mean by

even a day to spend with me and Zachary, yet he always managed to squeeze in time to

break free from Steven's embrace, but he just wouldn't let go. "I didn't expect you to be upset. I'm sorry. I promise that

contact as well. Please give me another chance, Annalise. I promise to treat you well from

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

made me think

young. He didn't understand anything. Just a little time with Jessica had started to

he was

be with Jessica, Zachary would be the one to suffer in the end. So I had no choice but

a single word, but it was