The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Zane replied, "But what if Annalise's feelings for me were to waver someday? Do you think Steven would still choose you over her?"

This stumped Jessica, but before she could come up with a response, Zane added, "It'd be pretty humiliating for you, don't you think?"

She didn't think he would be so blunt or sharp-tongued with her, but she groused, "Don't say that. You're hurting my feelings."

She expected Zane to comfort her right away, but he ignored her and did not bother replying to her texts after that. Disappointed as she was, she went through their previous conversations.

When they spoke in the past, he didn't necessarily come off as friendly or warm, but he wasn't entirely hostile to her, either. However, he was different today; he was more combative and had constantly picked on her faults.

Only after Jessica had finished reading her texts to him did she start wondering if she had given him the impression that she was involved with several men at once. She finally understood why Zane was so angry.

Men liked women who did not get entangled with multiple men, especially if they were planning to pursue the women romantically. It was only natural for Zane to give her the cold shoulder, considering she kept in touch with Casper despite having claimed that she and Steven were still together.

Zane was only trying to protect himself, given that there was no guarantee Jessica would be loyal to him even after they got together. He must have thought he was better off giving up on her than pursuing her.

Jessica was a little disappointed. She thought Zane would have already developed feelings for her after their months-long chatting.

If he and Steven were to get into a fight over her, she reckoned she would choose the former even if she didn't know him well enough. She would then marry him and become the matriarch of the Huxham family.

Unfortunately, Zane did not fall for it.

Jessica locked her phone. It seemed she had to watch her words the next time she spoke to Zane.

After all, Zane had more money than any of the men she'd met. He was the only one worthy of becoming her long-term retirement plan. If she married him, she would never have to worry about living in poverty again.

In other words, she would have to tread carefully around him to avoid losing him!

Jessica lay on the couch and stared at the ceiling, envisioning the life she would have with Zane.

Zane might be cold and serious during work, but she reckoned he would be a good husband. He would be generous with his credit cards and allow her to splurge as she liked. He would also be attentive to her needs and shower her with love afPthe time.

The more she thought about this, the more determined she was to bag Zane for herself.

My mind was buzzing after I finished my work, and sleep was not an option for

now. I decided to head downstairs to take a breather.

I had just left my bedroom when I

saw Zane standing outside the door. He had been leaning against the when he saw me, he

up.

"Are you all right?" I asked in surprise.

Zane said gravely, "We need to talk."noveldrama

It must be something serious, then. I did not turn him down, nodding as I said,

"Very well. Let's go."

We made our way downstairs and took our seats across from each other. My spine straightened as asked solemnly, "So, what did you

want to talk about?"

"Our future." Zane thought they had been dating long enough to consider taking

the next step in their relationship.

I was silent for a moment before I asked, "Which part of it?"

He answered without hesitation, "Any part is fine."

In truth, Zane wanted to come right out and tell her he did not plan on having

children.