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.

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

now, every day felt miserable, and there was

Tears soaked his pillow.

wanted. As if that wasn't bad enough, he had to

...

Howard's designated rest days for Willow. During these two days, she didn't have to

up and glanced at

barely past 6:00

going back to bed. Quietly, I got some

then went to

en

dragged herself out of bed, freshened up, and practiced speaking in front of the mirror. By the

her two dolls. She explained she'd be out all day and that they shouldn't miss her

grabbed my hand.

"Alright."