The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Casper shook his head. "We wouldn't be stuck in this situation if things were that simple."

Gary looked bewildered.

Casper continued, "Before Jessica and I divorced, she saw straight through your lies. She made it clear before Cody, saying she'd walk away from me if I went back to help you two with the company. But if I stayed with her, she'd stick by me no matter how tough things became."

Gary's face darkened, clearly unprepared for the truth to come out this way. Julia's expression was equally troubled.

Casper leaned his head back, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. "In the end, I chose to return, worried about what might happen to the company. To sever ties completely, she started seeing Steven again."

The truth was that Jessica had held onto a sliver of hope for Casper. After all, they'd loved each other for so many years.

But as their relationship dragged on, she realized Casper would never change, and she finally gave up on her feelings for him. Now, the success of her comic had even given her the courage to walk away from Steven.

about is building a happy life with Jessica. So

sensed the situation wasn't working in their favor. "If there's barely a chance for you and Jessica to get back together, why not

"Who? Ruby, the woman who destroyed my marriage? I'd sooner strangle her than date her. As for anyone

casually, "I'm still not

the

Ever since Jessica had cut him off completely, he'd buried himself in work day after day a relentless effort to push her

had brought her up, Casper couldn't stop his

things that

him with a light touch. Reluctantly, he dropped

quickly and said, "I'll get going.

table was left

at him," Gary

stuck on Jessica and refuses to marry anyone else. But there's no