The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 483

I said casually, "And yet, you never complained about getting Jessica designer items or jewelry."

Steven clenched his fists. He wished he could retort, but he realized, with no small amount of shame, that Annalise was right.

I continued, "They say that you can tell how much a man loves you by the way he spends his money. I suppose you must love Jessica more than you realize."

I feigned contemplation. "I wasn't sure what a man's kindness meant before I got together with Zane. I had a feeling that you weren't being nice to me while we were married, but no one could guarantee that I would find my great love in the next guy.

He kept his gaze on me. "But I was nice to you while we were married, wasn't I?"

"So regardless of your mistreatment of me, I chose to stay and put up with you. It was after I got together with Zane that I realized a man could pour his heart and soul into a woman he loved.

"No, a man who loved me wouldn't make up excuses for his bad behavior and blame his masculinity for his lack of romantic gestures. He would be considerate of my feelings and pay attention to the little things."

As I spoke, I regarded Steven with a steely look. "After that, I was sure that you hadn't been nice to me. If anything, you were a terrible husband to me every day for six years."

I saw his lips parting, but he offered no retort. I watched his expression shift and chuckled. "Anyone who sees the way you treat Jessica can tell you are in love with her. It was only natural for you to want to help her career after you saw her being unfairly treated in the company.

"I've already expected as much, so I wasn't surprised

must envy her success and resources. You're wildly jealous of

as if the more he emphasized them, the more vindicated he was. He was

such outlandish theories, but I didn't bother arguing with him. "Go ahead and convince yourself that it's true if it makes

and merely stared at

"I'll

I didn't want

Steven even though. I'd already mentally prepared myself

nonsensical questions and

ove

declarations.

I had for Steven. He waved me off. "See you

just bolted out of the elevator. Her eyes lit up when she saw me. "What are

to get some fresh air," I said, surprised to see her as well. "What about you? Are you

linked arms with me and explained, "I came to see you! I have amazing

to make sure no one was eavesdropping. She then pulled me to