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."

you so sure? Don't

we won't settle for the woman of our dreams.

"Technically, that's not 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 thought I was the best. "You'll always want what you can't have, believing that what is out of reach

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

met another woman who can change

woman, he'll be loyal to me forever," I countered

bad as him. He pressed, "But there's still such a long way ahead for both of you. Who's

racked my brain for an answer to Steven's question, but Zane appeared behind me and clapped a hand on my

glanced over my shoulder at Zane, and he clasped my hand

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

Annalise Zane interrupted, his logic cutting off Steven's argument. genuinely admired Annalise and her many

and I was prepared to deal with them. I