The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 169

Despite the absence of any physical intimacy between her and Steven, Jessica sensed that his feelings for her were slowly rekindling.

Back then, she was confident that once Steven was single again and free from moral constraints, their relationship would quickly develop. They would fall in love and grow very close, with Steven becoming obsessed with her. However, after employing every tactic to sabotage Steven and Annalise's marriage, she discovered that the reality was far from what she had envisioned.

Jessica was annoyed. Each time she expressed a wish to deepen their relationship, Steven would pull back. He seemed more at ease sticking to a friendship or a more distant connection.

Jessica rubbed her brows. She wondered if things would have been better if she had waited for Steven to love her completely before trying to get him to divorce Annalise.

villa. However, Zachary didn't even dare to roll down the window, anxious

eagerly observed Annalise, who wore simple casual clothes and had a calm, comfortable expression he hadn't seen at home for

he realized he had never treated Annalise well in the past. He had met her secretly before,

didn't understand the reasons behind his temper. She believed he was simply unhappy and consistently tried to soothe him. Yet, beneath her smile lay a persistent sadness that she kept hidden, worried it might

Her eyes sparkled with happiness. She had to

he heard laughter and joy from the gate. Tears streamed down his cheeks, landing

him recently. Thinking of this, Zachary quickly wiped his tears. He hoped that Annalise