The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

In case someone else was listening, Zane whispered, "I just wanted to accompany you, even if it's only a few minutes."

I hadn't expected Zane to be so clingy. I gently patted his arm and asked, "Have you eaten?"

Zane paused upon hearing that.

I handed him my utensils and said, "Have some. You shouldn't starve."noveldrama

"Okay."

Zane forgot that he hadn't eaten, so he only brought a set of utensils. I would take a few bites and then hand him my utensils for him to eat. After a while, we finished the food.

Zane put away the container. Then, he gently massaged my hand.

"Your hand must be tired after signing autographs all morning," he said.

If it were when I still hadn't gotten divorced or if Steven were asking me that question, I would say that I wasn't tired. That was because I knew that even if I said I was tired, Steven wouldn't empathize with me. But right now, it was Zane that I was speaking to.

Gazing at Zane, I decided not to lie. Instead, I said honestly, "Yeah, my hand is so sore."

Zane gazed at me with concern and said, "I initially thought that if I were around, you wouldn't have to work so hard."

Surprised, I gazed back at Zane.

Zane gently caressed my cheek and said, "But when I think about it, I know that doing these things will make you feel more accomplished. So, I decided to respect your decision. Anna, what do you think about it?"

I decided to share my true thoughts with him, seeing how genuine Zane was. I said, "Actually, I quite enjoy my current situation. I may be busy, but it also means I am rewarded for my hard work. That gives me satisfaction and joy. But above all, I'm glad you're willing to respect me."

Zane chuckled and said, "If I were to force you to become a housewife, doing nothing but living a carefree life, you might just break up with me."

Not denying his concern, I said,

"That's about right. Ever since I met

you, I've gotten used to being independent. I feel like a free bird earning a living for myself. Because of that, I don't want to return to

I

where I have to ask for things."

a life

Promises made before actually getting into a relationship-like "I'll take care of you"-eventually became meaningless over time. Before a relationship became sour over money, and eventually leading to mutual resentment and separation... It would be better to earn some money like what I am doing now. Even if we were to break up, I would still have a means of survival.

Zane chuckled and said, "You're right."

I stole glances at Zane as I leaned on his shoulder. He wasn't angered by my words. That got me thinking about when I was with Steven.

In the beginning, Steven didn't have much money, and I developed the habit of being frugal. Later, he gradually became richer, and we had a child of our own. With the child, our living expenses increased, and I requested more allowance. Yet, Steven would yell at me, accusing me of spending lavishly as soon as our family's financial situation improved.

At that time, I realized how difficult it

was to survive on having to request

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money from my husband. And so, k suggested to work part-time and earn my own money. Yet, Steven became even angrier. He accused me of using that to force him to compromise. Then, he would slam the door and leave.

In the end, I had to figure out ways to earn money on my own.

I lowered my gaze.