The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Even though the diamonds on those earrings weren't big, I accepted them

because it had been so long since Steven had given me anything. I didn't like

them, but I accepted the gesture.

It wasn't until later that I found out those earrings were just a throw-in with the

gemstones he bought for Jessica. It was something she didn't even want.

That realization hit me hard, but I had no choice but to push the pain down. I

couldn't let my unborn child grow up without a father.

Unfortunately, I lost the baby. And after that, there was no reason left to forgive

Steven.

A flicker of hurt crossed my eyes. Back then, I even wondered if I was someone

who didn't deserve nice jewelry. But now, Zane's gift told me otherwise.

Zane asked hesitantly, "Do you like it?"

"I love it," I replied.

I couldn't take my eyes off the diamond. I'd always had a thing for sparkling things

like diamonds or anything clear like emeralds and crystals.

When I'd admired it long enough, I put the necklace back in its box and handed it

to Zane. "But this is too expensive. I think we should be a little more careful with

money."

"I haven't given you much since we started dating, not even after we got married.

Think of this necklace as my way of showing my commitment to you," Zane said

plainly.

I shook my head. "No way!"

Zane chuckled. "Don't worry. I've saved up plenty over the years. Buying you a

few things won't put a dent in the company. And even if the company ever needs

extra funds, you could cover me now. After all, once your next paycheck comes in,

you'll have at least a few billion."

It was only then that I accepted it and said, "Thank you."

"Don't mention it," Zane said, gently ruffling my hair.

"I'm going to be tied up with work for

a while, so I won't have time to get

you anything. But I promise I'll get

you something once things calm

down!" I said sincerely.

Zane was putting in the effort, and I had to do the same. A relationship had to be

fair. He'd burn out sooner or later if he was the only one giving.

Zane caught on and smiled. "Alright."

...

Casper wanted to talk to Zane without me listening in, so they stepped into the

conference room.

Zane took a seat, gave Casper a once-over, and asked offhandedly, "So, what's

on your mind?"

"I stuck around because of Jessica. But now that her career is taking off, she

doesn't need me anymore," Casper said.

After talking to Jessica, Casper had

done a lot of thinking. His conflict

with Gary and Julia had started

because of her and he'd said some

harsh things to them. But at the endnoveldrama

of the day, they were still his

parents. He doubted they'd held it

against him.

Casper added evenly, "So, I've decided to go back."

Zane didn't try to talk him out of it right away. Instead, he asked calmly, "Do you

know what you're walking into?"

Casper had already thought about that.

"Of course. I'll be working under my

parents, helping them sort out the

company's problems and doing

things their way. The second I step

out of line, they'll find a way to kick

me out," he said.