The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 616

"I'm heavily pregnant, and I need someone to care for me. Can you afford to hire a nanny if I move in with you?" Jessica asked matter-of-factly. "Plus, Cody's in the best kindergarten in the city, and the tuition costs hundreds of thousands a year. Can you cover that?"

Each question hit Casper like a punch, leaving him speechless.

Jessica took a deep breath and continued, "Steven's angry now, but I know if I wait long enough, he'll calm down. Then everything will return to normal—he'll continue providing me a comfortable life."

"So you're just calling to vent?" Casper asked. "You never meant to come back to me?"

There was a long pause before Jessica finally said, "That's right."

"Fine," Casper muttered.

He had forgiven her time and again, only to be hurt over and over. But now, it was clear—Jessica didn't need his forgiveness. She'd be fine with or without him.

"Steven's probably just acting out of anger. Don't let it get to you," he added.

Jessica understood Casper was trying to comfort her. "I want to throw a tantrum badly, but I can't. He's in love with Annalise. All he cares about is earning her forgiveness.

"If I cause trouble now, he might walk away from me for good. All I can do is stay quiet, stay home, and wait. Sooner or later, he'll cool off and keep caring for me and the kids."

She felt a sense of relief once she was done speaking.

"But doesn't this make you weary?" Casper asked.