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.

as I heard his concerned tone, my tears flowed uncontrollably. Even at this moment, he still appeared to love

was the same person who had

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 a sense of security. He reached out to wipe my tears and

broke as I replied,

ready to ask more, but I cut him

away from my cheek. "What group

tear-streaked vision. Did he really want to play

nearly shouted, "The 'Happy Family' group chat with you and Jessica

arms around

tense, like a tightly wound bowstring ready

creating that group,"

shared that made him

blame, completely ignoring that the root of all this

my eyes.

all my strength. "I saw everything,

Steven fell silent.

I turned to leave the study, but he hugged me from behind. "I'm

didn't think it through. I just wanted to help you with all the pressure of raising Zachary."

Zachary, yet

didn't expect you to be upset. I'm sorry. I promise that

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

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

pitiful plea made me think

He didn't understand anything. Just a

indulgence, he was hospitalized

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

word, but it was