The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Jessica had decided that if Steven was willing to focus on building a life with her, she would do that. Otherwise, Jessica was confident she could raise two children by herself.

After coming to that conclusion, Jessica felt better. She was happy that she no longer had to depend on other people for survival.

"Jessica, starting today, you should live for yourself," Jessica thought happily to herself. At that moment, somebody knocked on the door. When Jessica opened the door, Steven and Cody were outside.

Confused, Jessica asked Cody, "Why did Steven pick you up? Where's our driver?"

"I sent him home," Steven said, patting Cody's shoulder and gesturing for him to go inside. Cody obediently went inside.

Steven said, "Since we've decided to focus on building a life together, it only makes sense for me to fulfill my duties as a father. That means I should take care of you and Cody."

Seeing how loving Steven was, Jessica suddenly thought it would be nice to live that way, too. Even though Steven didn't love Jessica deeply, at the very least, he wouldn't treat Jessica poorly. That meant Cody would have a father figure, too.

her belly,

a family, so don't mention it," Steven said as he helped Jessica to her seat

has been sick.

time to cook.

cook, then. What do you feel

for a short

to Cody's room and knocked. Then, he asked, "What do you

have a strong preference. He said, "I'll have

chuckled and said,

the refrigerator filled with ingredients reminded Steven of Annalise. When they used to live together, Annalise was always the one who cooked, and Steverf would always come home to warm

the kitchen, he

do the same preparing ingredients alone, coming up with a recipe and anticipating how her family

never truly repay Annalise, Steven smiled bitterly. However, he made up his