The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 188

Jessica looked up at Steven, her tearful eyes fixed on him. Her right hand instinctively rested on her stomach.

"Steven, think about it. It seems you don't really love me or this all that much. Maybe I should just get rid of the baby," she said, her tone laced with a sob.

Steven felt a surge of irritation, though he concealed it with a comforting smile.

"Why would you think that?"

He held her hand, resisting the discomfort that physical closeness with her brought.

"Jessica, I'm a straightforward person. I'm not used to saying how I feel. I care about you and the baby in my own way. So, stop worrying and just focus on resting at home."

Steven then took out a card and handed it to her. "If you want something, go ahead and buy it."

Jessica's eyes widened in surprise, glistening with emotion. "Is this really mine?"

"Yes."

he couldn't just walk away from her. Yet, for reasons he couldn't quite explain, the idea of spending a lifetime with Jessica felt suffocating. He found himself picturing Annalise, her

card away in

few more reassuring words, waiting for her to calm down before excusing himself, citing work that

of heading home, she made her way to a nearby mall, where she shopped

somewhat appeased, she

to the Huxham Corporation," she told

had been eager to see Annalise. She had been too busy to arrange a meet-up until

...

day, even finishing the final touches on the game department's poster coloring, when

I answered casually, "Hello?"

none of its usual

interested," I

you afraid

the divorce, I hadn't had any contact with Jessica. Her request

thought over it, I realized that

would I be