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 As a result, she slowly transformed from a vibrant young woman into a withdrawn, quiet adult.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 on herself. Had her

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

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 men to

Vel

onto societal expectations and preserving her dignity was

in the eyes of others when Annalise would

bring herself to make a decision. Eventually, Annalise made

Watching Annalise's life improve

sit beside Annalise and asked, "Could you send me a copy of the video you recorded

and turned my head. It was

asked,

accompany Zachary,"

much she doted on Zachary, but my relationship with him