The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Sasha said without a second thought, "Never."

Madeline asked, "Hmm?"

"When I confessed to him, he repeatedly told me he wasn't interested," Sasha said boldly. "Later, when I became friends with Annalise, he let me work here because of her too."

"Is that so?" Madeline sounded a bit disappointed. "I thought I'd get to witness a dramatic love story!"

Sasha immediately looked around to make sure no one was listening, then said, "You can't ever mention this again. If Zane hears about it, he'll definitely fire me!" Madeline quickly covered her mouth. "I got it!"

...

After buying a drink, I twisted the cap off and handed it to Zane.

Zane gulped it down in several swigs. When the burning sensation in his mouth subsided, he realized something.

Madeline showed subtle signs of having a crush on him earlier, only to lower his guard. In reality, her goal all along was to set him up!

Zane took my hand and said, "Let's go back."

"Okay."

I continued to sketch in the office.

sat at his desk

there was no reason for her to try to get back at him just for the sake of

Zane immediately

asking her to bring Madeline

words, her heart skipped a beat. She

big eyes, looking pure and innocent. She didn't realize danger was already looming. She asked,

serious. "Zane wants us

let's go," Madeline said

you forget? We just

he planning to use this

patted her shoulder. "We need to be mentally prepared. No matter what he says,

Madeline became serious. "Understood!"

...

of them walked nervously and

but they finally

a new game project I want to assign to the two of

handle this responsibility?"

tone was all business, and there wasn't the slightest

Sasha was stunned.

looked at

Zane asked, "Hmm?"