The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Otis was worried that Yelena might lose her determination to go after Zane.

He let out a derisive snort and said, "Think about everything you did to Annalise back then. If you were in her shoes, would you forgive someone who treated you that way?"

"No." Yelena shook her head. She had to admit that what she'd done then had crossed the line. It had been downright cruel.

Willow sat in the car, lazily resting her head against my arm. She looked up at me and asked, "Mommy, who was that woman just now?"

I chose my words carefully before saying, "She's the daughter of a prick. Neither of them means well. Just ignore them."

Willow pouted. "I could tell she wanted to steal Dad and make him her husband! She's a bad person!"

Seeing how upset she was, Zane tried to reassure her. "Don't worry. I won't be with her. I love you and your mom."

That was enough to put Willow at ease. She stressed every word as she said, "But if you ignore her, she'll just find another way to come between you and Mom and mess up your relationship. Mommy, no matter what she says, don't believe her, and don't get mad at Daddy!"

hair. She was still so young. Where did

reassured her. "Don't worry. I'm not

...

Otis' plan was unfolding. Since Otis was handling everything on his

dialed Otis'

Otis hadn't expected a call from Steven at that

on your plan. You know how much I love Annalise. I really want to get back together with

Steven that he could

up, Otis couldn't shake the unease

"Did you know Annalise and Zane

"What?" Steven was stunned.

picked up on it if someone like Zane had gotten married, and the news would have spread like

hadn't seen a single piece of news about it. As far as he knew, Annalise and

ago. Zane told me himself,"

the couch, completely floored. Was Otis really telling