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.

her on a pedestal." I said slowly, "I've already expected as much, so I wasn't surprised when you chose

"You're lying. You must envy her success and resources. You're

the more vindicated he was. He was making it sound

but I didn't bother arguing with him. "Go ahead

fell silent and

glanced at Zane. "I'll

didn't want to spend

prepared myself for this encounter. He was always

nonsensical questions and

ove

declarations.

the contempt I had for Steven. He waved me

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

air," I said, surprised to see her as

linked arms with me and explained, "I came

me to a remote corner, and though her voice was barely above a whisper, I