The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)
Chapter 2

I held the tablet tightly as I walked out of Zachary's room and headed straight for Steven's study. I just couldn't understand why it had to be Jessica. The first time I heard that name was at our wedding.

Back then, Steven treated me so well. Whenever I felt down, he'd comfort me, saying, "It's okay. Nobody's perfect." And he'd patiently stay with me until I felt better. When I got sick, he dropped everything to take care of me.

Because of that, I decided to marry him, even though it meant moving far away.

As I stood in my wedding dress, clutching a bouquet, dreaming about our future, I overheard his friends chatting about his first love.

"I thought Steven and Jessica would end up together. They loved each other so much back then."

"Yeah, they really were the perfect couple."

"What a shame."

Their genuine regret made me question whether Steven truly loved me. Just as I was about to confront him, I saw him approach them with a dark expression. His voice carried an intensity of anger I had never heard before.

"I've told you countless times that I hate Jessica! Perhaps I didn't make it clear before, so listen carefully now. If you ever mention her again in front of me, we're done!" Hearing those words eased my anxiety. He didn't just not love Jessica. He actually despised her.

But now, I couldn't shake the feeling of doubt. Why did he bring Zachary to see her after she returned, then?

For the first time, I questioned the happiness of my marriage.

I didn't knock on the door like I usually would. Instead, I pushed it open directly.

Steven was buried in work, but when he heard the door, he turned around. The moment he saw me, he dropped everything and walked over. "What's wrong, honey?"

His voice was gentle, like we were still in the honeymoon phase.

But as I heard his concerned tone, my tears flowed uncontrollably. Even at this moment, he still appeared to love me.

Yet, this was the same person who had betrayed me.

After a moment, he stopped in front of me. Standing at six feet two inches, he wasn't heavily muscled, but his regular workouts gave him a well-proportioned physique that radiated a sense of security. He reached out to wipe my tears and whispered, "Did Zachary upset you again?"

My voice broke as I replied, "No."

Steven seemed ready to ask more, but I cut him off, saying, "I saw the group chat."

His hand dropped away from my cheek. "What group chat?"

I stared at him through my tear-streaked vision. Did he really want to play dumb at this point?

My voice grew louder as I nearly shouted, "The 'Happy Family' group chat with you and Jessica in it!"

Seeing my distress seemed to hit him hard. Steven stepped closer and wrapped his arms around me while gently patting my back. "Honey, just calm down for a second."

My body felt tense, like a tightly wound bowstring ready to snap.

"Zachary insisted on creating that group," he explained.

How did Zachary even know Jessica? What experiences had they shared that made him feel close enough to call her "Mommy"?

Steven only wanted to shift the blame, completely ignoring that the root of all this lay with him.

I shut my eyes. "Steven..."

Calling his name drained me of all my strength. "I saw everything, so don't treat me like I'm stupid, okay?"

Steven fell silent.

I waited for what felt like an eternity, but no response came. I turned to leave the study, but he hugged me from behind. "I'm sorry." My steps faltered.

Steven cautiously said, "Look. This is mostly my fault. I didn't think it through. I just wanted to help you with all the pressure of raising Zachary." Hah! What did he mean by help?

He couldn't replace even a day to spend with me and Zachary, yet he always managed to squeeze in time to have fun with Jessica.

I struggled to break free from Steven's embrace, but he just wouldn't let go. "I didn't expect you to be upset. I'm sorry. I promise that I won't contact her again.

"I'll leave the group chat with Zachary. We'll block and delete her contact as well. Please give me another chance, Annalise. I promise to treat you well from now on. And I'll keep my distance from other women, too."

His voice took on a hurt tone. "After everything we've been through, and for Zachary's sake... Please don't leave me, Annalise."

Hearing Steven's pitiful plea made me think of Zachary.

He was so young. He didn't understand anything. Just a little time with Jessica had started to distort his habits.

With Jessica's indulgence, he was hospitalized more often.

If I really got divorced and let Steven be with Jessica, Zachary would be the one to suffer in the end. So I had no choice but to compromise. "Okay."

It was just a single word, but it was so hard to say.

At my response, Steven pulled me closer, forcing me to turn around. I looked up into his eyes.

As he cradled my face, his eyes were filled with the joy of having regained something precious, and then he leaned in to kiss me.

Even though everything had been resolved, the sting of Zachary's and his betrayal still felt like a thorn in my heart.

I didn't want any intimate contact until I completely forgot this incident, so I turned my head away from his kiss.

In the next moment, I found myself lifted off the ground. I panicked at the sudden feeling of weightlessness, and I instinctively clung to Steven.

He chuckled softly. "Still upset?"

"I need time."

I didn't deny it.

His voice-deep and enticing-took on a coaxing tone. "How about I make it up to you tonight? Maybe I could earn some leniency?"

Normally, I'd struggle to resist such peace offerings, but this time, I truly had no interest.

Steven seemed to sense my answer. Before I could even refuse, he tossed me onto the soft bed.

As I attempted to sit up, he immediately pinned me down.

I pressed my hands against his chest, trying to push him away. But he caught both my wrists with one hand and held them above my head.

He was much stronger than I was. There was no escaping his grip.