The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 541

Steven replied absentmindedly, "Maybe."

Jessica frowned. "What's wrong? You don't sound like yourself. Did something happen?"

Steven said honestly, "Yeah. I've been seeing a therapist recently. And then, it hit me—every step I've taken, from being with Annalise until now, has been a mistake."

His voice cracked with pain. "Jessica, why am I so stupid? How could I let it get this far before realizing it?"

Jessica froze, an uneasy feeling creeping over her. His voice carried a raw vulnerability. "Why are you saying this all of a sudden?"

Steven was feeling devastated, but he had no one to confide in. If Jessica hadn't called, he wasn't sure how long he could have kept it together.

Tears streamed down his cheek as he choked, "When someone makes a mistake, they should first fix it, apologize, and make amends.

"But what am I doing? I'm using you to provoke her? All that's going to do is push her even further away." Steven wiped his tears with his hand.

Jessica didn't know how to respond at first. After a long pause, she finally asked, "Do you regret it?"

"No. But when I think about everything, I realize just how much I've messed up."

Jessica pressed further. "So, are you planning to make it up to Annalise?"

Steven admitted without hesitation. "Yeah. I need to try to be good to her. Don't worry about the money I've already given you.

"I'm not going to take it back. You can spend it however you want. However, I won't give you any more money."