The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

"Have you all forgotten what came out recently?"

"What?"

"You know, the news about Steven getting a vasectomy. He won't be able to have kids of his own anymore!"

When everyone found out that Steven's affair had cost him the chance to have children of his own, they all agreed it was what he deserved.

As I listened to the conversations around me, I started to feel some of the resentment I'd been holding onto finally begin to fade.

Meanwhile, Steven had done everything he could to prevent Pelham Group from falling apart. But once again, it was thrown into chaos by everything that had been uncovered. No matter how hard Steven fought this time, there was no way to save Pelham Group.

...

Jessica woke up to see Steven's face drained of color.

"Are you that worried about me?" she asked.

Steven's eyes were bloodshot as he demanded, "The baby you're carrying is not mine, is it?"

"So, you've figured it out?" Jessica didn't bother to deny it. If anything, she had been waiting for this moment for what felt like forever. Now that it was here, a strange sense of calm washed over her.

"The truth is, we never slept together. That night, I let you believe whatever you wanted. You never touched me," Jessica explained.

"How could you do this to me? You're heartless!" he spat.

Jessica watched him stagger away, his posture defeated. She asked, "Do you still want to be with me?"

"No. It's over," Steven muttered.

When Jessica saw him walk away without a second look, she let out a quiet sigh of relief.

After Steven left, Casper walked in. "He's already ended things with you. Will you give me a chance now?"

"No. Being single is better than being with you. I'm done with Gary and Julia. I'm not going back to let them torture me," Jessica said.

Casper took her hand. "But my project's gone public, and I've made good money. If you can't stand them, we can just walk away, move out, and live together with the kids. We have a son and a newborn daughter. The kids will only be happy if we're together, don't you think?"

Jessica stared at him. For the first time, she realized she still had feelings for him.

"Fine, I'll give you one more chance," she said.noveldrama

"I won't let you down this time," Casper replied.

...

After graduating from kindergarten,

Willow got into elementary school without a hitch. That day, Zane and I picked her up and headed home, where we all sat down to watch the animated series our company had produced.

Willow was completely hooked, her eyes wide with wonder as she exclaimed,

"This is incredible! Mommy, I want to visit this amusement park!"

Her excitement was contagious, and I felt a rush of enthusiasm myself. I suggested, "How about we go right now?"

"You two..." Zane shook his head with a fond smile, then got up to get the car ready.

By the time we reached the amusement park, it was already packed with parents and kids, all there to celebrate the grand

opening. The lively energy wasel

impossible to resist, and I felt my mood being lifted almost instantly.

I'd already shared Jessica's misdeeds online, laying bare her true colors for everyone to see. People started boycotting and calling her out, and I finally felt like I'd gotten justice for the harm she'd caused me.

Pelham Group had gone under, just as planned. And Steven? The once golden boy who had it all was now flat broke-a nobody. Oh, there were still folks chasing him down, shouting and calling him a scoundrel.

Everyone who had ever harmed me had gotten what they deserved. And here I was, standing with my daughter and husband beside me. As for my career, I built my ow company from the ground up and produced an animated series.

The future looked promising, and the sales of my plush toys were only set to climb. Along with the amusement park, my career was on track to become even

more secure.

By the end of the day, Willow was so worn out that she dozed off in Zane's arms. When we got into the car, I whispered to Zane, "Take Willow home first. There's still something I need to handle."

Zane glanced at me, then nodded. "Alright."

...

As evening fell, I made my way to the cemetery. I stood before the gravestone, gazing at the resting place of my child-the child Jessica had taken from me.

For a long while, I stood there in silence. Then, at last, I found my voice.

"I'm sorry, my dear. I haven't had the strength to visit you these past few days. But today, I'm here to share some good news. I've made sure you were avenged.

"The woman who took you from me is now living in disgrace, hated by everyone. Your dad's company has collapsed, and he's being cursed everywhere he turns. As for me..."

I was doing well now. My career was flourishing, and I had a family who loved me. My future was full of promise.