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."

now, and with 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

the card away

waiting for her to calm down before excusing himself, citing

but instead of heading home, she made her way to a nearby mall, where she shopped until her car was filled

appeased, she settled into

Huxham Corporation," she

been too busy to arrange a meet-up until now, but

...

the final touches on the game department's poster coloring, when I got a

I answered casually, "Hello?"

none of its usual

not interested," I

you afraid of

Her request made me reluctantly recall everything that

over it, I realized that fear wasn't the right word-disgust

replied calmly, "Why would I be afraid of