The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Then suddenly, Casper's parents discovered he had been working on the side.

They suddenly contacted him, claiming the family was facing a cash flow problem and needed him to cover some expenses. Without hesitation, Casper transferred all his savings to them.

When he returned to Jessica, he felt like he had nothing left to offer her. So, he turned her down.

The look in Jessica's eyes at that moment was heartbreaking. She asked him if he didn't like her, and if that was the case, she'd keep her distance from then on.

The truth was, Casper did like her. He just didn't know how to explain his situation. After a long silence, he finally nodded and said, "Yes."

Jessica was devastated. Tears streamed down her face as she told him she wouldn't bother him anymore.

Casper told himself that making money through projects was easy. Once he saved up enough, he'd explain everything to her.

finally met the standard he'd set in his mind to approach

find out she had a

treated Jessica well, and she seemed happy with him. Casper hid in the shadows, watching them talk until Steven

day was still etched vividly in his mind. He remembered every word

see him. "What

asked, "Why didn't

confused. "Wait for you? Why

because my parents took all my money. I

been Casper's savior, and she held a special place in his

what you said back then. You told me you didn't like me and didn't want

responding, "Over a

myself, wondering if I had misinterpreted your words. I waited over

but you never