The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 563

I gave a faint smile. After enduring such an unhappy marriage, this new chapter of my life seemed almost surreal in its contentment.

Willow announced the first act and gracefully exited the stage. As her classmates took turns performing, the auditorium erupted in enthusiastic applause. I found myself clapping along, caught up in the moment.

From her seat nearby, Portia kept a watchful eye on Annalise. She'd been observing Annalise's interactions with Zane, noticing how his affection for her shone through even in the smallest gestures. She felt her heart warmed by the sight.

Annalise's previous marriage had been a source of great unhappiness-her mother-in-law bullied her, her husband ignored her, and her son resented her. As a result, she slowly transformed from a vibrant young woman into a withdrawn, quiet adult.

Portia had watched this change with a heavy heart, feeling helpless to intervene. In her view, divorce was simply unacceptable. So, Portia could only advise Annalise to endure, believing that maintaining the facade of a complete family would somehow shield her from further hurt.

A remarkable change began when Annalise finally chose to break free, leaving behind her inconsiderate husband and difficult son for a new family. Her smile grew brighter with each passing day.

It was clear that Zane treasured Annalise deeply.

felt

few years, she had been reflecting

were expected to marry. No matter how badly their husbands behaved, a wife filing for divorce was seen as disgraceful. Divorce meant losing one's dignity, neglecting family, and abandoning one's children. Portia had been deeply influenced by

her-trapped in unhappy marriages and mistreated by their families-choosing to divorce. Surprisingly, those women didn't lead the miserable lives she had always imagined. That's when Portia realized times had changed. Women didn't need

Vel

started questioning whether holding onto societal expectations and preserving her dignity was worth confining Annalise to

the eyes of others when

she couldn't bring herself to make a decision. Eventually, Annalise made the choice to

Watching Annalise's life improve

Annalise and asked, "Could you send me a

and turned my head. It

asked, "What brings

came to accompany

doted on Zachary, but my relationship with him was beyond