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."

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

tucked the card

reassuring words, waiting for her to calm down before excusing himself, citing work that needed his

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

appeased, she settled into the

to the Huxham Corporation,"

Annalise. She had been too busy to arrange a meet-up until now,

...

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

I answered casually, "Hello?"

held none of its usual

not interested," I

scoffed. "Are you

Jessica. Her request

realized that fear wasn't the right word-disgust was more

calmly, "Why would I be