The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 323

Zane would certainly give Jessica a few more glances. Over time, she believed she could push Annalise out of the picture and become Zane's lover.

"I don't know," Steven replied honestly, his tone carrying a weight of sadness. "She was the one who pursued me.

"After we got together, she was kind, and she treated me even better. She never fussed about celebrating holidays or expecting surprises. If I told her I was too busy with work or claimed I just didn't understand those things as being a straight guy, she'd forgive me without question.

"She'd then take care of everything in my life with meticulous thought."

Steven's voice faltered as he spoke about his past with Annalise. A dull ache swelled in his chest, making it hard to breathe.

Jessica, listening to his words, nearly rolled her eyes. What he described could be seen as having a wife—but more accurately, it sounded like having a free domestic maid. No wonder Annalise had decisively and unflinchingly let go of him when she left. She had absolutely no regrets.

Steven continued, "So all I know is that she used to love me and Zachary more than anything."

…

Willow and Penelope played energetically upstairs until 8:30PM, finally stopping when they were both exhausted.

Penelope looked longingly at Willow's toy house. "It's getting late. I should head home now, " Penelope said reluctantly. "If I don't, my mom will miss me."

Willow grabbed Penelope's hand. "Then I'll walk you out."

Milton and Dorothy, having spent much of the day with the children, stayed home to rest. It was Zane and I who drove Penelope back home.

The two little girls had endless things to talk about, their excited chatter filling the car with lively noise. I leaned back in my seat, watching them with a smile.

Zane, seated in the driver's seat, kept his focus on the road.

When we arrived at Penelope’s neighborhood, Zane parked the car by the gate. Penelope stepped out, and Willow walked alongside her, while Zane and I followed behind.