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. Even at this moment, he still appeared

the same person

he stopped in front of me. Standing at six feet two inches, he wasn't heavily muscled, but his regular workouts gave him a well-proportioned physique that radiated

as I

ask more, but I cut him off, saying, "I saw the group

from my cheek.

tear-streaked vision. Did

shouted, "The 'Happy Family' group chat

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

body felt tense, like a tightly wound bowstring ready

creating that group,"

even know Jessica? What experiences had they shared that made him feel close enough to call

wanted to shift the blame, completely ignoring that

my

his name drained me of all my strength. "I saw everything, so

Steven fell silent.

an eternity, but no response came. I turned to leave the study, but he hugged me

my fault. I didn't think it through. I just wanted to help you with all the pressure of raising Zachary." Hah! What did he

find even a day to spend with me and Zachary, yet he always managed to

let go. "I didn't expect you to

as well. Please give me another chance, Annalise. I promise to treat you well from now on. And I'll keep my distance from other women,

voice took on a hurt tone. "After everything we've been through,

Steven's pitiful plea made

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

he

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

but