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.

heard his concerned tone, my tears flowed uncontrollably. Even at this

this was the same person

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

broke as

ask more, but I cut him off, saying,

away from my cheek. "What group

at him through my tear-streaked vision. Did he really want to play dumb at this

louder as I nearly shouted, "The 'Happy

and wrapped his arms around me while gently patting my back. "Honey, just

body felt tense, like a tightly wound bowstring ready to

insisted on creating

shared that made him feel close enough to call her

shift the blame, completely ignoring that the root

my

all my strength. "I saw everything, so don't treat me like

Steven fell silent.

response came. I turned to leave the study, but he

wanted to

day to spend with me and Zachary, yet he always managed to squeeze

let go. "I didn't expect you to

the group chat with Zachary. We'll block and delete her contact as well. Please give me another chance, Annalise. I promise

"After everything we've been through, and for Zachary's sake... Please don't leave

made me think

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

he was hospitalized

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

a single word, but