The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 332

1 spoke slowly, my tone calm. "When it comes to material aspects, Zane clearly treats me better. On top of that, he respects me more. No first love lurking in the background, and no entanglements in messy emotions." Steven quickly retorted, "What if he's just like me? What if he has a first love who hasn't come back in town yet?

That, I thought, had little to do with me. But Trouldn't say that outright. As I milled over how to respond, Steven pressed further.

"Can you guarantee that if his supposed true love comes back, he won't be worse than me? Here comes the home.

Zane sat down beside me. "Mi. Pelham, I'd like to take this opportunity to ask you something too. Who exactly is this supposed true love of mine?

Zane felt aware of relief wash over him. It was a good thing he had followed along; otherwise, if Steven's nonsense had been allowed to continue unchecked, his path would undoubtedly become even more challenging Steven froeal Zane's pointed question

Zane's one was key as he spoke. "I understand the pain of losing someone you love, but that doesn't give you the right to spread baseless rumors."

Seven's expression hardened. "Can you sweat that, from childhood until now, Annalise is the only woman you've ever had feelings for?"

Zane responded calmly. "Absolutely"

Steven soled. "That's imposable"

didn't waver, but his lips curled into a faint smick.

To win Annalise over

there's no

unfazed. "I was

I was busy building my career. I didn't have time for such distractions. Unlike you, it seems. You've always had plenty of time to dwell on

face trose as he struggled

reaching for my hand. "Let's

all processing what

I couldn't help but ask, "Really? You've

response was immediate and numes-of-fact.

"I guess I gave much

on goofing off. Then I got serious about my studies, which left go room for anything

was consumed by

you had a pretty fulfilling