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."

know? How are you so sure? Don't fool yourself into thinking he's

men are the same; we won't settle for the woman of

true. You, for example, believed Jessica was 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

anyone more than he loved

because he hasn't met another woman who can

another woman, he'll be loyal to me forever,"

still such a long way ahead for both of

appeared behind me and clapped

shoulder at Zane, and he clasped my

darkly. "I treated Annalise like a queen before Jessica came along

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

and I was prepared to deal with them. I knew we would get