The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 271

Steven briskly walked over to me when he saw me.

"Why didn't you take the bouquet I sent you? Can you tell me why?" he asked.

I believed I was being frank and clear enough when I talked to him several times before this. I never thought that he'd be shameless enough to come to me again.

Annoyed, I spat, "I never turn back once my mind is made. I chose divorce, so it means that I'll never get back together with you. Things are over between us. What's the purpose of giving me flowers?"

I calmly looked him in the eyes and spoke slowly and clearly to make sure that he heard every word, "Your wish has come true. You and Jessica are a couple now. Shouldn't you cherish her? Don't wait until you lose her and start regretting it again!" Sensing my displeasure, Steven explained, "I know you're telling me this for my own good, but trust me. I won't regret it this time."

I wasn't sure how to respond to that. After a moment of silence, I stated, "But I find it annoying when you keep pestering me. If you feel sorry for what you've done to me, I hope you can pretend not to know me when we meet in the future. That's the best way to make it up to me."

My words stunned him, and he froze, unsure how to respond. "Do you not have any feelings for me at all?"

Before he came, he still had a sliver of hope that I would pity him upon seeing how desolate and dejected he looked.

Now, though... Steven knew that he was overthinking it.

I adopted a grave tone when I clarified, "I have no

that wasn't enough, I told him, "I told you before when

a wry smile. "I thought you

I stated plainly. And

...

sorrowfully

gripped Steven's heart. It was as if Annalise would

wanted to run to her and

However, it was as if his legs were glued

forcefully torn apart by an invisible pair of hands. It brought

thought he was

wouldn't mind

another man. But as he watched her leave with Zane, he felt suffocated

the time when he and Annalise were still married. He remembered her watching in silence when

that she must've suffered as

his heart was agonizing, and the

...