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.

using you to provoke her? All that's going to do is push her even further away." Steven wiped his tears with

I realize just how much I've

planning to make it up to

"Yeah. I need to try to be good to

it back. You can spend it however you want. However, I won't give you any more

sank at

could appease Casper or capture Zane's attention, Steven was her only financial lifeline. If he ignored Jessica, her life would take

baby? You're not going to take

At least she'd claimed the baby was

of the baby. I'll cover your living expenses and child

to hear. Otherwise, I really wouldn't know how the baby and I could survive." "The child is my flesh and blood. I'll make sure he's taken care of and

"Thank you."

down at her stomach. The baby had been her trump card. It had been a clever move to use the child asza means to tether Steven, ensuring he