The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Yvette had always been there for Gavin even as she watched him date other women and belong to someone else. Then, she'd resort to every tactic she knew to drive his girlfriends away.

She told herself that Gavin would eventually be hers if she kept at it. But instead of turning to her, he would move on to someone else.

In fact, after so many failed attempts, bitterness had started to take root within her. Her family had been urging her to settle down since she graduated, but she'd clash with them rather than give up on Gavin.

Until now, all Yvette had to show for it was the title of being Gavin's close friend.

"I've thought it over. Haven't you and Dad always wanted me to settle down with someone?" Yvette asked softly.

"Are you trying to get a rise out of me again?" Grace's voice immediately grew sharper, frustration seeping through. "Every time we've talked about this, you've shut it down. And now, you're bringing it up?"

Yvette's voice softened further, almost without her realizing it. "I just wanted to say if you have anyone in mind who might be a good match for me, I'd be willing to meet them. And if things feel right, I'm open to marriage."

A long silence followed on the other end of the line. Grace was so taken aback that she wondered if she'd heard correctly.

"Did I hear you right?" she asked.

"You did. I mean it this time," Yvette replied.

Grace's voice brightened right away. "Well, then you should come home as soon as you can. I actually know a few great guys you could meet. There's even one who's had a thing for you for a while now."

"Okay. But before I come back, I need to see Gavin one last time. I'll say what I must and let him go," Yvette said.

Grace understood that letting go of someone couldn't be done overnight.

"Alright," she replied.

Yvette had always been terrified of the idea of leaving Gavin. Loving him had become second nature, something so ingrained in her life that she couldn't imagine living without it.

She took a deep breath. But now, with her decision made, a surprising sense of relief washed over her. After hanging up, she called Gavin.noveldrama

"Where are you?" she asked.

Gavin's voice came through, tense and frustrated. "What is it? If it's not urgent, don't waste my time. I'm trying to patch things up with Sherry.

"Honestly, this is on you. You've been all over me, showing how much you care. You pushed her away. She's done with me because of you."

Det

"Is that really how you see me?" Yvette asked. She was stunned. All the effort she'd invested in thei

relationship had turned into nothing but a burden for him.

Gavin's response was icy. "What do you think?"

Yvette's ears rang as the full weight of all those years she'd spent trying to win

him over came crashing down on her.

"Looks like we have to meet," she said.

Gavin's tone turned more cutting. "Fine. But don't ever show your face again after this."

"That's fine with me," Yvette replied.

Gavin seemed determined to make

things harder for Yvette, picking a

meeting spot far from the usual

places, it wasn't until now that she

realized how much Gavin truly hated her, Back then, she'd been so wrapped up in him that she hadn't seen how badly he'd treated her.

When Yvette finally got there, Gavin was sitting in his car, parked on the side of the road. His arm was

casually resting on the open window, his eyes roaming the view without much thought.

She made her way over to him.

"Spit it out. I'm busy, and I am not wasting my time on you," Gavin snapped.