The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 541

Steven replied absentmindedly, "Maybe."

Jessica frowned. "What's wrong? You don't sound like yourself. Did something happen?"

Steven said honestly, "Yeah. I've been seeing a therapist recently. And then, it hit me every step I've taken, from being with Annalise until now, has been a mistake."

His voice cracked with pain. "Jessica, why am I so stupid? How could I let it get this far before realizing it?"

Jessica froze, an uneasy feeling creeping over her. His voice carried a raw vulnerability. "Why are you saying this all of a sudden?"

Steven was feeling devastated, but he had no one to confide in. If Jessica hadn't called, he wasn't sure how long he could have kept it together.

Tears streamed down his cheek as he choked, "When someone makes a mistake, they should first fix it, apologize, and make amends.

away." Steven wiped his tears with his hand. Jessica didn't know how to respond

think about everything, I realize just how much I've

you planning to

"Yeah. I need to try to be good to her. Don't worry about the money

not going to take it back. You can spend it however

sank at

capture Zane's attention, Steven was her only financial lifeline. If he ignored Jessica, her life would

not

relief. At least she'd claimed the baby was Steven's.

care of the baby. I'll cover your

hear. Otherwise, I really wouldn't know how the baby and I could survive." "The child is

"Thank you."

leaned back into her chair and glanced down at her stomach. The baby had been her trump card. It had been a clever