The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Steven always came up with many excuses. For instance, they were too far apart.

Annalise didn't know those excuses weren't insurmountable obstacles back then. Steven simply needed a reason to justify walking away.

Steven took a deep breath. The real tragedy was how naive Annalise had been. She truly believed that any problem could be solved if they tried hard enough, so there wasn't a need to break up. And perhaps because they'd been together for so long or because Annalise was so unwaveringly good-Steven eventually fell in love with her.

Unfortunately, Steven didn't realize his feelings. In fact, he made mistakes that hurt her deeply.

Steven suddenly realized that he'd been far too flippant about love all this while.

"Is that so?" he muttered.

"Yeah. You don't need to worry," Zane replied.

However, it grated on Steven to know how kind and attentive Zane was to Annalise because it meant she'd never regret leaving him. It meant that Steven would never have another chance. "Have you ever considered the possibility that you might get into an accident?"

After a long pause, Zane answered, "In that case, two portions of my estate will cover my parents' expenses. The rest will be hers. She'll have enough to live comfortably. She won't care what people say about her." "You're not leaving anything for your daughter?" Steven asked incredulously.

Zane's company was so massive it would make anyone jealous.

Steven found it hard to believe anyone could treat Annalise this well. At least, he knew he couldn't.

"Even if I leave anything for Willow, she's still too young to protect it. If someone with bad intentions gains custody of her, they could take all that money, leave her with nothing, and maybe even treat her terribly.

"That's why I would leave my assets

to Annalise. I can trust her. I know

she genuinely cares for Willow They'll have each other, and they'll be fine." .

Zane had considered everything and thought of every contingency before deciding to be with Annalise.

After a long pause, Steven asked, "How do I know you actually mean it? How can I be sure you're not just saying it to mess with me?"

Zane didn't force Steven to believe е him. Instead, he chuckled softly, his tone light as he replied, "You don't need to take my word for it. Just watch what I do." noveldrama

Steven realized Zane wasn't making offhand remarks-they were deeply considered, deliberate truths. And they stung.

Was this what it meant to truly love someone? To protect and plan for their future so thoughtfully?

So, what did it mean back then when Steven divorced Annalise and left her with nothing?

Alas, he didn't know what to say and could only awkwardly hang up the phone.

Back at his desk, Steven slumped down, his hands propping up his face as he stared blankly ahead.

Even if Annalise and Zane eventually parted ways, Annalise was unlikely to return to him. After all, Steven had never known how to truly love someone. He didn't understand how to treat Annalise well.

Even if they got back together, she'd leave him again. Having experienced true love, Annalise would never

settle for superficial kindness or

empty gestures. Not anymore.

Tears started to fall onto the desk. Steven felt it sounded like the shattering of his heart.

No one had ever taught him how to love someone the right way.