The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Jessica narrowed her eyes, her mind racing. If pouring every dollar she'd earned through years of hard work could solve this, maybe she could treat it like a loan to Steven.

Once Pelham Group was back on track, Steven could pay her back. But what gnawed at her was the fear that Pelham Group might still collapse even if she put every penny into it.

"You honestly think things between Steven and me will unfold the way you've planned?" she asked.

Gary didn't sound entirely convinced. "I'd say the chances are pretty good."

"But I've got my own business now. If he goes bankrupt, he can stay home and play the househusband. I'll be the one bringing in the paycheck."

Gary let out a laugh. "Pelham Group didn't rise to what it is today by accident. It took years of effort. And yet, I'm the one who saw it fall. So, what makes you certain your business won't meet the same fate?"

Jessica inhaled deeply.

Gary continued, "I know you'll ride it out at first, so quitting isn't in the cards. But that's fine. I'll give you that much. When Pelham Group collapses, I'll come back and see how things are shaping up for you."

Jessica fired back, "Spare yourself the trouble. One thing's certain-I won't have any regrets."

Then, she ended the call, her anger flaring.

When Sherry walked into the café downstairs, Yvette was already there waiting for her. She slid into the seat across from Yvette, her movements steady and unruffled.

She had walked away from the man who had treated her poorly, finally escaping the toxic hold of that relationship. She couldn't help but feel that her life was much calmer now.

Sure, there were still moments when thoughts of Gavin would pop into Sherry's mind unexpectedly, but it wasn't nearly as all-consuming as it been.

ha

At least now she was free, and she had a career to focus on. Life seemed to be brimming with new opportunities.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Sherry asked.

Yvette's mood was anything but light. "I suppose... you've probably figured out by now that I have feelings for Gavin."

Even though Gavin had always insisted that they were just good friends and that nothing more would ever happen, Sherry, being a woman herself knew better. If Yvette didn't care for Gavin, why would she keep stirring up drama for Sherry?

Gavin probably knew the truth, too, but he seemed to relish the romantic tension Yvette was stirring up, which was why he played along as if he were unaware.

Sherry sneered. "So, you called me here just to admit you have feelings for Gavin?"

"Of course not," Yvette responded. "I just wanted to say, now that it's all done between you and Gavin, could you please stop bothering him?"

Sherry furrowed her brow. "Me, bothering him? What's that supposed to mean? Ever since we broke up, I've hardly even been around him."

Yvette locked her eyes on her. "But that still hasn't been enough to make him move on, has it?"

Sherry thought she was being completely unreasonable. "What?"noveldrama

"Why not start seeing someone? He'll take the hint and back off once he sees you're with someone else."

Sherry scoffed. "So, for your convenience, I should just date some random guy? Yvette, don't you hear how absurd that sounds?"