The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 171

Chapter 171 

“mm” Steven asked absentmindedly 

Jeroca could serve Steven’s recent indifference. She could tell he was trying to distance himself, slowly turning them back intu strangers: Yet, she hadn’t gotten everything she wanted from him, so she couldn’t let that happen. 

needed to keep Steven from leaving her, so she spoke with nostalgia in her voice, “This park’s been here since our college days.” Recalling those innocent, youthful years seemed to ease the heavy weight on Steven’s chest, as if someone had lifted a burden. 

Steven smiled. “Yeah. Back when we were just broke students with no money for anything rise, we’d often come to the park together.” 

Seeing his willingness to engage, Jessica continued, “Anytime we walked together, everyone would teaseus. They’d say we were made for each other and destined to be together. They even 

tried to set us up 

rosica looked up at the sky. There wo high–rises nearby, leaving the space open and allowing a clear view of the stars. 

Steven remained silent, not sponding to her words 

Jessica turned to him, het voe gentle yet firm. “Steven, did I ever tell you? I really did like you back then.” 

“is that un?“” Steven inclied surprised. “I didn’t know” 

Jessica’s fingers fidgeted nervously as she went on, “but I was too young and too influenced by the lure of money to know what I truly wanted. I thought money was the most important thing. That’s why I left you and werd with Casper.” 

That memory had never left Steven’s mind. Even now, he could vividly recall the crushing disappointment he fate upon hearing that Jessica had lett town. He felt as though he had been 

struck. He save it as a betrayal. 

After all, he thought he and jessica shared something special–an unspoken bond. They had never openly admitted to it, but he was already planning the future together, thinking about how to start a business and earn enough to give Jessica a good life. 

For all of that shattered when she boarded that plane and disappeared 

Steven chuckled softly” was so butter after you left.” 

Jessica immediately apologized, “I’m sorry 

I wanted to ask you why you left. But as the 

Steven continued, as if lost in his own thought, “You know, you were my flest love. I truly loved you then. Even after I married Annalise, I still wanted tine passed. I began to find prace.” 

Maybe it was because he had a caring wife waiting at home, an adorable son, a warm, inviting living room, and a delicious meal always ready. His youthful regrets slowly faded into the background, and he thought a lifetime with Annalise seemed more than enough