The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

But now, Casper's confidence was shaken. Jessica had found her own strengths

and could make her own money. She didn't need his or Steven's wealth anymore.

A wave of panic hit Casper. If that was true, how was he supposed to hold onto

her? Grasping at straws, he brought up their child.

"Have you considered that the baby you're carrying is mine? What's going to

happen to you and the baby once I'm gone?" he asked.

"I'll raise our child with Steven," Jessica said.

These days, love didn't mean much to her. If anything, life had only gotten better

without it.

Casper stressed every word as he asked, "What happens if Steven finds out the

baby isn't his? How are you going to handle it if you end up alone?"

He was desperate, as if this was the only way he could prove that he still

mattered.

"That's why I'm asking you not to tell him. No one will ever know as long as you

keep quiet," Jessica said.

Casper said nothing. Jessica added, "And even if he does find out one day, it

won't change anything."

She had stopped feeling like she needed a man in her life.

Jessica chuckled. "Now that I can make my own money, I can handle everything

myself. So there's no need for you to worry.

"Besides, your parents have been reaching out a lot lately. I'm guessing

something's wrong with the company again."

She stayed calm as she continued, "As their son, you'll keep worrying about them

if you stay here. But Casper, there's nothing you can do for them from here.

"You'd be better off going back. At least then, you'd still have your family."

Her words hit Casper like a sledgehammer. Tears slipped down his face as he

looked at Jessica, his eyes full of sorrow.

She'd been talking this whole time—about her journey, struggles, how she had

grown. And in her words, he could feel just how much she had changed.

Jessica had been pretty naive when they got divorced. It was his incapabilities

that pushed her to become so strong. She didn't count on anyone anymore.

Casper felt a sharp pain in his chest, but he couldn't find the words to respond. All

he could do was put on a tough front and say, "Don't regret this!"

Jessica had gone over this moment

in her head more than she could

count, convinced she'd stay

perfectly calm when it finally

happened. But there was still a dull

ache in her chest.

After all, Casper was a man she had

truly loved once. How could she feelnoveldrama

nothing when this was the end of

everything? Even so, she knew she

had to hold her ground.

"Don't worry. I won't regret it," she said.

Casper looked at her for a long moment, then pulled out his phone and called

Gary. Jessica stood close by, listening.

"You wanted me to come home, didn't you?" Casper asked.

Gary was caught off guard. Just

moments ago, Jessica had told him

and Julia that after seeing Casper

she'd talk him into coming home.

And now, Casper really was saying

he'd go back. Had she actually

convinced him?

After a pause, Gary said, "Yeah. Your mom and I have been hoping for a long time

that you'd come back."

Casper glanced at Jessica, but she didn't show any sign of stopping him.

His voice wobbled as he said, "I will, once I get things wrapped up here."