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.

his desk in

She had no grudge against him, so there was no reason for her to try to

immediately

Sasha, asking her to bring

heard Zane's words, her heart skipped

looking pure and innocent. She didn't realize danger was already looming.

turned serious. "Zane wants us

let's go," Madeline

forget? We just

he planning to use this chance to

prepared. No

Madeline became serious. "Understood!"

...

of them walked

time, but

I want to

handle this responsibility?"

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

Sasha was stunned.

also looked

Zane asked, "Hmm?"