The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 429

An airy chuckle escaped me as I replied, "Yes."

Steven argued, "At least do it for Zachary!"

"Didn't you wash your hands of him long ago?" My voice was even. "You shut out and push away those around you whenever you're in a bad mood. That's just the way you work, Steven. "Remember when you told me you loved Jessica? Look at how that turned out. And now, you claim you love me and want me to go back to you. Is your love that cheap, Steven?" He shook his head frantically. "That's not true, Annalise. I can change. If you like, I'll—"

I cut him off, "No, I want nothing from you. I'm not getting back together with you because I'm done with the pain and suffering you put me through.

"What if you fall for another woman someday and betray me again?" I eyed him grimly. "Do you know why I chose Zane?"

Steven gave another shake of his head. He genuinely didn't know.

Warmth and indulgence filled my eyes as I explained, "Because I never have to worry about him hurting me the way you did."

"How would you know? How are you so sure?

settle for the woman of

the best you could have before you made things official between you. After we divorced and you got together with her, you changed your mind and thought I was the best. "You'll always want what you can't have, believing that what is out of reach is the best for you.

is different. He believed he couldn't love anyone more than he loved me.

hasn't met another woman who can change his

he'll be loyal to me forever," I countered coolly. "Sounds splendid,

still such a long way ahead for both of you. Who's to say the love of his

answer to Steven's question, but Zane appeared behind me and clapped a hand on my shoulder. "The love of my life

glanced over my shoulder at Zane, and he clasped

Annalise like a queen before Jessica came

Annalise after Jessica appeared shows that you never loved Annalise Zane interrupted, his logic cutting off Steven's

I would encounter many problems if I got together with Annalise, and I was prepared