The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel 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"?