The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Did Steven write this letter to Jessica on the eve of our wedding?

The other letter was Jessica's response to him.

"I put your letter inside mine and sent it back. I'm very happy now, Steven. I hope I can have your blessings. And please don't contact me again. I'm afraid my husband will misunderstand." As I read through the letters, the puzzle pieces fell into place, creating a nearly complete picture.

My grip tightened around the mop handle.

Before this, I couldn't understand why Steven harbored such hatred toward Jessica, his first love. It turned out to be because she had betrayed him before.

It seemed that he had convinced himself to overlook her past mistakes and the pain she had caused him, longing only for her return. But unfortunately, Jessica had still rejected him.

At this moment, everything clicked. I finally understood why his friends' mention of Jessica at our wedding had caused such an intense reaction from him.

But why was he bringing out these letters now? Was he trying to remind himself of Jessica's cruelty, solidifying his resolve to keep her at a distance and cherish our life together?

Or was he worried that Jessica still wouldn't take him back, even after he sacrificed everything and faced the blame for abandoning his wife?

I shut my eyes, a wave of pain almost knocking me unconscious.

Perhaps Zachary was right. The only person Steven loved was Jessica. So, when he considered a future with her, he had never thought about the damage his choices would cause me. I stood in the study for what felt like an eternity until the ringing of my phone finally jolted me back to reality. I picked it up, my heart still heavy.

"Hey, honey," Steven's voice came through, low and charming. He remained as gentle as ever. "What are you doing?"

Steven had always been thoughtful and kind around me.

Concerned that I might feel uneasy in this unfamiliar city, he surrounded me with tenderness, even in the way he spoke.

I should have felt satisfied.

But now, hearing his voice only reminded me of the moments I had traveled to his city, excited to step into a life together, while he was desperately pleading for his first love to return. He might even have complained to his friends about how my arrival disrupted his reconciliation with Jessica.

"Hello? Are you there?" Steven seemed surprised when I didn't respond.

I didn't know how to face him, but I couldn't remain silent.

Looking at the letters and the photo on the table, I managed to say, "Just mopping the floor."

"I called to remind you..." He paused, then continued, "There are confidential business documents on my desk. You don't have to clean the study. I'll take care of it when I get back."

In the past, I would have teased him with a smile, saying, "Even I can't see them?"

But this time, the words wouldn't come out. After a long pause, I finally managed to say just one word, "Okay."

After hanging up the phone, I backed out of the study with the mop.

Why didn't he want me to see those letters? Was he afraid I would be upset to learn he didn't love me when he married me? Or was it because he didn't want me to find out that Jessica was the only one he ever truly loved? Or perhaps he was secretly planning to abandon me and start a true family of four with Zachary, Jessica, and her son, Cody?

My heart grew colder as my mind spiraled.

It was the first time I realized that our years as a loving couple might have just been an illusion.

...

The doorbell snapped me back to reality. I glanced at the wall clock and realized it was already time for Steven to come home.

I stood up to open the door, but Zachary was nowhere in sight.

"Where's Zachary?" I asked, puzzled. Usually, Steven would pick him up on his way home.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"He's still sulking, saying he doesn't want to come home." Steven stepped closer and wrapped his arms around me. "I thought we could enjoy some time together, so I took him to my mom's house."

He rested his chin on my shoulder and spoke in a coy tone, "Honey."

I had no idea how to respond to him. Once doubt took root, it burrowed deep and began to grow.

When we first married, he seemed to love me dearly, yet he was actually missing Jessica.

Now, he seemed as loving as ever, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it was all a facade. Was he genuinely in love with me or just putting on a performance?

Steven's hand rested on my stomach, gently caressing it.

I snapped back to reality. "Yeah?"

He hesitantly suggested, "Let's have another baby."

I was taken aback. "Why?"

"I thought a lot after arriving at the office today," Steven explained calmly. "I used to really like Jessica, but after spending time with her again, I realize that the days I've spent with you have truly made me happy."

I instinctively turned to meet his gaze. His expression was sincere, as if he wasn't lying.

I hesitated. "If that's the case, then focus on us, and let's live happily together."

Steven cupped my face and leaned in to kiss my lips. "I spoke with Zachary on the way home. He also said he wants a younger sibling.

"You know my dream has always been to have two children. So, honey, please don't say no."

His gaze was deeply affectionate, captivating me. It was nearly impossible for me to refuse.

We already had a son. A daughter would complete our family, and Steven would be committed to our life together. Zachary would embrace his role as an elder brother and become more responsible. Everything would get back on track. The vision of this beautiful future tempted me.

I nodded in agreement.

Upon seeing my response, Steven wrapped one arm around my waist while his other hand cradled the back of my head. He then pulled me in for a kiss that left no room for refusal.

I closed my eyes, surrendering to the moment.

In my heart, I told myself that Steven had never actually cheated on me and that he was willing to draw a line with Jessica.

As for Zachary, I would patiently guide him to fix his behavior. From this day forward, we would remain a perfectly ordinary family.

Suddenly, a shrill ringtone broke the intimate atmosphere.

Steven didn't even glance at the screen before trying to silence it and toss the phone aside.

But my eyes caught the name flashing on the screen, and my heart plummeted. I pushed him away forcefully. "It's Jessica calling."

Hadn't he said he would block her contact? How could she still reach him? Steven barely had time to look at me before he turned to grab the phone. "What do we do, Steven? Zachary's been hospitalized for a stomachache!"