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 hand over her

so don't mention it," Steven said as he helped Jessica to

chef has been sick. We

work that she didn't have time to cook. But when

then. What do you feel

a short while,

room and knocked. Then, he asked, "What do you want

Cody didn't have a strong preference.

and said, "Got

reminded Steven of Annalise. When they used to live together, Annalise was always the one who cooked, and Steverf

in the kitchen, he

with a recipe and anticipating how

smiled bitterly. However, he made