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."

a child on the way, Steven knew 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 image inexplicably lingering in his

tucked the card

to calm down

her way to a nearby

appeased, she settled

the Huxham

busy to arrange a meet-up until now, but today was her chance. With some

...

for the day, even finishing the final touches on the game department's poster coloring, when I got a call

I answered casually, "Hello?"

of its usual fragility. "Let's

not interested," I

you afraid

with Jessica. Her request made me reluctantly recall everything that happened

I realized that fear wasn't

replied calmly, "Why would I be