The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 323

Chapter 323

Zane would certainly give Jessica a dew more glances. Over time, she believed she could push Annalise out of the picture and become Zane's lover

"I don't know, Steven replied honestly,

tone carrying a weight of sadness. "She was the one who pursued me.

"After we got together, she was kind, and she treated me even better. She never fussed about celebrating holidays or expecting surprises. If I told her I was too busy with work or claimed just didn't understand those things as being a straight guy, she'd forgive me without question.

"she'd then take care of everything in my life with meticulous thought."

Steven's voice faltered as he spoke about his past with Armalise. A dull ache swelled in his chest, malding it hard to breathe.

Jessica, listening to his words, nearly rolled her eyes. What he described could be seen as having a wife-but more accurately, it sounded like having a free domestic mald. No wonder Annalise had decisively and unflinchingly let go of him when she left she had absolutely no regrets

in that she used to love

until 8:30PM, finally stepping when they were

looked longingly at Willow's toy house. "It's getting late. I should head home now," Penelope said eluctantly. "If I don't, my mom

Penelope's hand. "Then

spent much of the day with the children, stayed home to rest. It was Zane and I who drove

their excited chatter fing the car with lively noise. I leaned back in my

in the driver's seat,

arrived at Penelope's neighborhood, Zane parked the car by the gate. Penelope stepped

soon as we stepped out onto

a glance, both of us

the apartment. From the living room, we heard Liam's menacing voice: "So what if the kid wants to stay with you? You still owe me

voice, trembling with anger, shot back "Why should I? When we divorced, we agreed you'd take care of Penelope. I walked away with nothing,

her back and not demanding what's rightfully hers. And you still dare ask me for money?

laced with venom. "Don't blame for