The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 256

I coldly retorted, "If you had any sense at all, you'd look back on everything you've done to me. There's no way you'd think I have even the slightest bit of attachment left for you."

Steven slammed the table and stood up. "You're still mad that I made you sleep with Casper?"

I tilted my chin up as I leaned back on the seat, staring at him from below. "Is that the only thing?"

It was as if Steven couldn't hear me. "But I don't mind anymore!"

I scoffed. At that moment, I realized I shouldn't have followed him out and talked to him.

When I stood up to leave, Steven rushed in front of me, blocking my path. "Anna…"

I ignored him, walking past without a word. Glancing back at his despondent figure, I said calmly, "I've always been grateful that I chose to leave you."

…

Back in the office, Zane, who had been diligently working, set aside his tasks and walked over to me. "Are you okay?" he asked.

I nodded. "I'm fine. It's just that I have no idea what's gotten into him. He's suddenly saying he regrets the divorce. It's as if he thinks we could've gotten back together just because he didn't want the divorce back then."

I didn't bother hiding the disdain in my eyes. "He completely forgot that I was the one who filed for divorce. I was the one determined to leave, and I've never regretted it."

I walked over to the couch and sat down. "Looking back, I endured so much injustice when I was with him.

"Every time I suffered, I could've chosen to leave. But I kept telling myself he might change, so I stayed silent. Until things became completely irreparable."

I sighed, feeling a mix of emotions. "Only today did I finally realize that the moment you sense something is wrong, you should let go immediately. Enduring just once can lead to a lifetime of pain."

Zane seemed to sense my sadness and wrapped his arms around me in a comforting embrace.

I chuckled softly. "Do you think I was foolish back then?"

"No," Zane said gently, patting my back. "Anna, you wanted to build a life together with him, but he trampled on your sincerity. That's not your fault."