The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 539

Jessica's behavior only solidified the truth for Casper-Jessica was after his money.

His reply was curt. "Fruitful."

Casper was busy every day. He was focused on work, leaving little room for distractions like Jessica. Oddly, he found this busyness comforting. "Do you have enough money? Do you need any help?"

"I do," Casper responded. He had no interest in talking to Jessica but forced himself to remain civil for Zane's sake. "Thanks, but I'm fine."

Jessica felt a twinge of indignation. Casper, who once clamored for her attention, now seemed indifferent.

"You're so cold these days. You say you've forgiven me, but deep down, you're still upset with me, right? I meant it when I apologized, you know. I truly want to make things right between us." She hit send and stared at the screen, waiting. Casper read her message and hesitated. What could he say? He wasn't angry, but he wasn't interested in pretending everything was fine either. After a moment, he settled on a safe excuse. "I know, but I'm really busy right now."

Jessica probed further. "When you're free, can we sit down and talk?" "Sure."

few days of racing against deadlines had left him utterly drained. But the moment he rested, Jessica's face crept into his mind unbidden. Casper refused to

long message to apologize. "I know you probably won't believe anything I say. But no matter what, I need you to know of all the men I've ever been with, you're the only one I've truly

loved him? There was a time, even after his family's downfall and Jessica's departure, when he

then, he thought

endure a

Jessica needed to find another man and blamed himself

coming, and so did the deliberate distance she put between them. That was when he realized the

looked away and continued working with a solemn

...

Casper didn't

with a temper. Back when they were together, his love for

his anger, doing

please her.

had always endured