The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 217

Jessica was certain that only by convincing Steven that she was the one he loved would he be willing to keep spending money on her.

After much deliberation, she put on a considerate tone and said, "But this place is so far from your office. Commuting back and forth every day must be exhausting. I hate seeing you wear yourself out, Steven." She paused, as if hesitant, then added, "How about this? You come over on Friday nights and head back on Sundays."

This arrangement gave Jessica the best of both worlds. She could have a few days of freedom each week without the need to cater to anyone while still keeping Steven close enough to maintain her influence. It was a win-win situation for her. "Sounds good," Steven agreed. "I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed first."

He had thought that after talking to Jessica, he'd feel a weight lifted off his chest. But to his surprise, an overwhelming sense of suffocating despair washed over him instead.

Stumbling, he made his way to the bedroom.

Jessica watched him until he disappeared inside. Only then did she sink onto the couch, a faint smile playing on her lips.

...

Zachary lay alone in his dark bedroom. The room was silent. He suddenly missed Annalise.

would read him stories and sing lullabies to help him sleep. When something upset him, she'd patiently coax him

day felt miserable, and there was no one

Tears soaked his pillow.

for everything that had happened. As an adult, he couldn't figure out what he wanted. As if that wasn't bad enough, he had to mess around with someone else despite being married, which

...

days for Willow. During these two days, she didn't

and glanced at

barely past 6:00 am,

going back to bed. Quietly, I got some work done

am, then went

en

and practiced speaking in front

ran over to her two dolls. She

my hand. "Let's

"Alright."