The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

For years, Annalise had been the one soothing everyone's emotions, including Chloe's.

Steven finally understood Chloe wasn't as wonderful as he had once thought. When Annalise was still by his side, she had gone out of her way to shield him from his mother's outbursts, fearing they would affect his work.

No matter how much trouble Chloe caused, Annalise would quietly handle it behind the scenes.

Steven took a deep breath. And yet, despite everything Annalise had done for him, he hadn't cherished her.

A wave of exhaustion washed over him.

Chloe broke the silence by asking, "What's there to think about?"

Steven said coldly, "In all the years Annalise was with me, she didn't spend as much money in total as you and Jessica do in a single month-or even a week." He paused before adding, "To be honest, probably not even in a single day." Chloe frowned, feeling irritated. "But isn't the money you earn meant to be spent?"

a bitter laugh, "My wife and son didn't get to spend it.

at his words. What did he mean by "it all went to her"? She had worked hard to raise him. Wasn't it only right

further. "You're just in a bad mood; I

that, she

...

collectibles and also work on the freelance projects. Apart from caring for Willow, every other moment of my day

great that I was able to

tell me

just average and didn't affect my work, I'd obviously handle it myself. There'd

However, he didn't mind, as the high commission earned him good money. "The good

smiled and asked, "So there must be bad news

can't keep up,"

increased production, it was natural