The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 278

But there was nothing Steven could do. He slumped back in his car seat. He had no right to interfere, after all. All he could do was watch Zane and Annalise grow closer.

His phone lit up with a message. Expecting work stuff, he glanced at it.

It was from Zane. "Are you jealous? I'm the one sitting here with her under the moonlight now."

Steven could not believe Zane's boldness. He looked up, and their eyes met across the distance.

Pursing his lips, Steven typed back quickly. "Annalise and I were together for six years. We have a five-year-old son..."

Zane's reply was instant. "That's ancient history, Mr. Pelham. I'm her present and future. Hope that's clear."

…

Zane pocketed his phone and looked away. Curious, I asked, "Did you see something interesting?"

"Nothing, really." He smiled. "I thought I saw a magpie."

He secretly thought that he was lucky that Steven had given up on such an amazing woman like Annalise. Because of that, Zane had a chance to pursue her. His smile grew wider at the thought.

"Really?" I asked, confused.

"Of course," he replied smoothly, standing up. "It's getting late. We should head in."

Seeing it was almost 10:00 pm, I hurried inside.

For a long time, Zane watched me go before sending Steven one last message. He chuckled. "See that? If I want to, I can keep her completely out of your reach, Mr. Pelham."

…