The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 663



I had just hit send on my message when I heard a knock at the door. I scrambled

out of bed and opened it.

Zane stood in the doorway.

Confused, I asked, "What's the matter?"

He pulled me into his arms, his voice trembling with excitement. "I'm just so happy!"

I studied him closely. At that moment, I realized he loved me even more deeply than I had ever imagined.

The memory of Steven came rushing back. When he first agreed to be with me, he looked like he was about to cry.

I had no idea back then that his heart already belonged to someone else. Seeing him so emotional, I told myself I'd give it my all since he loved me that much.

Only later did I learn the truth-those tears weren't for me. They were for the person he truly loved but couldn't have.

Zane, however, was nothing like Steven. The cold, distant expression Zane usually wore had melted into an unguarded smile. He was glowing with happiness -because soon, he would be my husband.

I cradled his face between my hands. "Thank you for loving me, truly caring about me, and letting me be your wife."

He kissed me without hesitation, and the world around us seemed to vanish when our lips met.

"Thank you for allowing me to care for you," he whispered.

My legs faltered, but before I could fall, his hand was at my waist, steadying me. With no room to back away, he kissed me harder.

...

After Zane's rejection, Jessica racked her brain for a new plan.

There was no chance he'd agree to date her anytime soon, and Casper's company still had a long way to go before it took off. That left her with one choice -Steven.

But Steven still resented her for smearing Zachary's name. Jessica sighed, pressing a hand to her forehead. It seemed the only thing left to do was try to get back on his good side.

She pushed herself up from the

couch, supporting her pregnant

belly, and headed to the kitchen. She ran through Steven's favorite dishes in her mind, ready to start

cooking-until she hesitated She was too tired.

Did she really have to cook it herself just to win him over? Probably not. All that mattered was showing up at his door with something for him.

Once Jessica made up her mind, she immediately woke the family chef and had him prepare a few dishes.

When everything was ready, she packed them into insulated containers, let Cody know she was heading out, and had the driver take her to Steven's home.

She knocked and waited, but no response came. With a deep breath, she pressed the doorbell.

After a long pause, the door finally opened.

"Have you eaten?" Jessica asked, holding his gaze.

Steven didn't answer. Instead, he questioned, "Do you even realize what time it is?"

"I do." Jessica's voice was steadier than usual. "I was at home, thinking you might not have had dinner yet, and I couldn't stop worrying about it."

Though she hadn't cooked a single thing, she made sure it seemed like she had.

"I'm pregnant, and everything feels exhausting, but I still brought you a meal," she mumbled with a smile. "Please eat. I'll feel bad if you don't, and the baby won't be happy either."


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