The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Suddenly, Sherry's expression soured. "When Gavin and I first got together, all my friends tried to warn me. They kept saying a guy who stayed that close to another woman would only end up breaking my heart.

"But I didn't want to hear it. I thought they were making a big deal out of nothing, and I convinced myself that if I let those doubts take over, I'd never find real love.

"So, I threw myself into the relationship with Gavin. But once we were together, it didn't take long for me to realize they'd been right all along.

"To him, that woman always came first. Every time she went after me, he'd turn around and demand I apologize to her. At first, I could let it slide. But over time, it just wears me down."

Her voice was thick with exhaustion.

Sasha nodded in agreement. "Exactly."

"Lately, we got into it again over her," Sherry said. "And once again, he sided with her without hesitation. When I finally calmed down and thought it through, I realized nothing had changed after all these years.

him, what kind of future am I even looking at? I could see myself stuck in this cycle for years, with no end in sight. But

right now, but after throwing myself into work and

few months, I've learned so much. Now I can't help but wonder if I'd left Gavin sooner, would I have found this peace

made one thing clear-after everything she'd been

"A toxic man does nothing but drain you. Cutting him loose

stared at her, disbelief written across her face.

your circle can't stand me," Sherry

clique held together by shared interests. Honestly, I can't and them either. They're nothing but

seemed so cold toward me at

they said. They painted you as some kind of petty, spiteful villain.

who you