The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 171

"Hmm?" Steven asked absentmindedly.

Jessica could sense Steven's recent indifference. She could tell he was trying to distance himself, slowly turning them back into strangers. Yet, she hadn't gotten everything she wanted from him, so she couldn't let that happen.

She needed to keep Steven from leaving her, so she spoke with nostalgia in her voice, "This park's been here since our college days." Recalling those innocent, youthful years seemed to ease the heavy weight on Steven's chest, as if someone had lifted a burden.

Steven smiled. "Yeah. Back when we were just broke students with no money for anything else, we'd often come to the park together."

Seeing his willingness to engage, Jessica continued, "Anytime we walked together, everyone would tease us. They'd say we were made for each other and destined to be together. They even tried to set us up."

looked up at the sky. There were no high-rises nearby, leaving the space open

silent, not responding to her

yet firm. "Steven, did I ever tell you?

Steven looked surprised. "I didn't

by the lure of money to know what I truly wanted. I thought money was the most important thing. That's why I left you

disappointment he felt upon hearing that Jessica had left town. He felt as

he thought he and Jessica shared something special-an unspoken bond. They had never openly admitted to it, but he was already planning their future together, thinking about how to start a business and earn

softly. "I was so

apologized, "I'm

his own thoughts, "You know, you were my first love. I truly loved you then. Even after I married Annalise, I still wanted to ask you why you left. But