The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Upon feeling a headache coming, Steven rubbed his brows and said, "Just get straight to the point."

Ever since Steven divorced and began to date Jessica, his life had become a mess. His mother, who used to be less problematic, had since become very problematic. She would regularly call to complain about other people, yet she never reflected upon herself. Steven tried to be patient, but he missed the days he used to be with Annalise. Life was more peaceful and comfortable then. Furthermore, Steven recently realized he actually loved Annalise.

He couldn't understand how he was foolishly blinded by Jessica, choosing to abandon Annalise over his so-called first love.

After hearing Steven's response, Chloe said, "You have no idea how ridiculous Zachary is! I visited him at his house, but he didn't welcome me and refused to let me in. But what's worse was that he let Portia curse me out!" Chloe got choked up as she continued, "Portia was so mean. She was hot-tempered, too, and she wanted to assault me..."

"What did you say when you were at their house?" Steven asked slowly.

But there was no way Chloe would tell Steven that she started it first. Chloe said innocently, "I didn't do anything!"

"That's impossible."

Steven didn't believe what Chloe said. Lately, Steven realized that there were many loopholes in Chloe and Jessica's statements. But back then, he believed in them unconditionally, and he questioned Annalise because of them. Steven asked icily, "Do I look like an idiot to you? Do you think I will believe you no matter how ridiculous your lies are?"

Ironically, Steven used to be like that.

Chloe asked in disbelief, "How can you think of me that way?"

Steven continued, "I've spoken to Portia before. Even when she criticized me for not taking care of Zachary, she never said anything too harsh."

In his daily interactions with

Annalise, Steven knew that Annalise was not who they described her to be. Yet, he believed in their lies when they were trying to stir trouble. Again, Steven realized how much of a fool he was.

Feeling conflicted, Steven lowered his gaze and said, "She just doesn't care enough to deal with me."noveldrama

He continued, "If you didn't lie, I'm sure they wouldn't be interested in talking to you. They wouldn't have time to pick a fight with you."

Remembering the news that he had.

seen previously, Steven said, "If I'm not mistaken, you must have tried to egg Rowena on to bully Annalise, but you failed.

"Rowena uploaded a video of your antics online. You're angry, but you can't take out your anger on Rowena, so you can only take it out on Zachary.

"Unfortunately, Portia was home

with Zachary. She doted on Zachary

a lot, so she wouldn't sit to watch

you curse at Zachary and must have

stood up for him. Am I right?

In disbelief, Chloe asked, "How did you know that? Were you watching when everything happened? Why didn't you stand up for me?"