The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 277

Ever since Willow could talk normally with her grandparents and Penelope, she had stopped her mirror practice sessions. Instead, she spent that time reading books. It was bedtime by the time she finished her routine. I tiptoed out of Willow's room after she fell asleep. Zane caught my eye and headed toward the balcony. I knew he wanted to talk, so I followed.

The balcony lights were on, but everything beyond was enveloped by the mysterious darkness of the night. I settled into a chair, savoring the peaceful silence.

Zane sat beside me. Since it was too late for coffee, he brought water instead.

His cool voice broke the silence. "Before the divorce, your life with Steven must have been pretty miserable, wasn't it?"

Strange. Though his tone was neutral, I could hear the concern underneath.

I chose my words carefully. "Back then, I thought marriage meant working through problems together, so I tried not to overthink things. But looking back, I realize I was the only one really trying."

My voice remained steady. "When he messed up, all he had to do was explain his side, and I'd let it go. I thought it wasn't worth fighting over small things. But when I made mistakes...

them up again and again even after explaining myself

found myself wondering why I had ever fallen for

the

didn't like me. When he finally caught me making mistakes, he used them as a

breeze was surprisingly gentle as it brushed against

"I could feel his dislike toward me. Yet now, he

stayed level. "How can you claim to love someone while constantly

been actually

anyone my age." Zane reflected, "But I have Willow. "I suppose what

love for their

right?"

en

want to give her the best of everything just to see her smile. When I find someone I truly love, I imagine it'd feel somewhat similar." I agreed, "We must think alike,

...