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 her again, a year and

outside Jessica's dorm, only to find out

didn't have much money, but he treated Jessica well, and she seemed happy with him. Casper hid in the shadows, watching them talk until Steven

etched vividly in his mind. He remembered every word of

surprised to see him. "What

"Why didn't

"Wait for you?

separate because my parents took all my money. I felt like I wasn't good enough for you," Casper

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

told me you didn't like me and didn't want to be with me.

before responding,

wondering if I had misinterpreted your words. I waited over a month

you never