The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Steven knew that their behavior disturbed me greatly, but he hadn't expected me to voice my grievances. After a long pause, he said, "Okay."

After Steven left with Chloe, Zane gazed at me with pity. I asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?" Zane said earnestly, "I think you spent a rough six years. Steven's love was too pretentious. He claimed to love you, but he didn't provide money or emotional support.

"What's worse was you had to support his expenses. Meanwhile, he lavished all of his riches on his mistress. He bought luxurious gifts for Jessica."

I chuckled and said, "Of course. After all, Jessica was the woman that Steven loved. His love for me was always displayed in words, not actions. But he was willing to express his love for Jessica in action."

In response, Zane said sternly, "That is why I think he has no right to claim that he loves you." Agreeing with Zane, I said, "You're right. Even now, I don't understand how I endured all of that in their household. There wasn't a single person who treated me well.

"His mother picked on me. He mistreated me, and even our son was biased toward Jessica."

The more I spoke about it, the more confused I felt. In the end, I concluded, "Maybe it was out of love." At that time, I loved Steven and was willing to do everything for him. I was willing to take a step back for the sake of our family and the sake of a better future, but not all sacrifices made out of love earned the same amount in return.

Zane gently held my hand and said, "Steven didn't know better than to appreciate you. It's not your fault." His comforting words worked on me. I nodded and said, "You're right."

...

In the car, Chloe carefully examined Steven's facial expression only to find that he had a darkened expression. She whispered, "Steven..."

"Stop talking, Mom!" Steven snapped. He was on the verge of a mental breakdown.

After talking to Annalise and Zane, he finally realized how terrible he had been. He spent lavishly on Jessica, yet he was stingy with Annalise while she tirelessly cared for him and his child. He only gave her over a thousand dollars every month.

To Steven's horror, Zane treated Annalise really well. Not only did he provide a comfortable living space, but he also gave Annalise a hefty salary.noveldrama

On top of that, he didn't expect Annalise to do any house chores. All she had to do was to spend time with the child.

Zane even considered the fact that Annalise may feel insecure without substantial finances. He secured her a part-time job that earned her a lot of money. Despite all that, he hadn't married married Annalise yet. Even though he was just her boyfriend, he had already done so much to ensure her happiness.

Meanwhile, Steven fussed over measly amounts. At that thought, he felt horrible.

Steven struggled to understand why he had treated Annalise that way. He wondered if he believed that because Annalise loved him, she deserved that kind of treatment.

Suddenly, Steven realized that may have been the cost of forsaking someone's sincerity. He asked Chloe, "Will you only be satisfied when I die?"