The Unveiled Rose

The waiter brought over our orders and placed them on the table, smiling, "Enjoy your meal."

"Thanks!" We had ordered quinoa as the staple, and I served myself a small bowl, picking up a piece of beef brisket. The crisp and tender texture was irresistible.

I ate several big mouthfuls but noticed Zane hadn't touched his food. Out of curiosity, I asked, "Aren't you going to eat?"

Only then did Zane begin to eat. "Of course I want to," he replied.

Back at the office, Steven couldn't stop thinking about what Annalise had said. It dawned on him that he had made so many mistakes.

Ever since marrying Annalise, he had gotten used to thinking she wouldn't have emotional ups and downs because she was so sensible and obedient. He hadn't even realized how much she had been suffering. Now, Steven desperately wanted to break up with Jessica and make it up to Annalise. After making up his mind, he called Jessica.

Jessica's voice came through the phone, soft and sweet, "What's up? Do you miss me?"

"I'm sorry," Steven said. As soon as he said that, he felt an inexplicable sense of relief.

What was he apologizing for out of the blue? Jessica's mind raced, searching for possibilities until she cautiously asked, "Did you cheat on me?"

"No," Steven quickly replied. "But I've realized that the person I truly love isn't you. It's Annalise. I've decided to do everything I can to win her back and build a good life with her.

"The house you're living in now will be yours. And I'll continue to send you child support on time for the baby you're carrying."

Steven's tone grew lighter, almost cheerful, as he added, "From now on, if we ever cross paths, let's just act like we've never met."

"Steven!" Jessica knew that if she accepted Steven's arrangement, she would lose a source of income-a very lucrative one at that. Until she found another man willing to spoil her, she was never going to let go of Steven. Jessica calmly replied, "You can't possibly love Annalise! Don't forget. You were the one who chose me over her in the first place. If you truly loved her, how could you just let her go?"

She continued as Steven didn't interrupt her, "This idea you have now is just a delusion from being away from me for so long."

Jessica realized that separating from Steven was no longer an option. It had only been a few days, yet Steven had already figured out where his heart truly lay. The thought of her having to manipulate him again was exhausting. Steven didn't believe Jessica. "Jessica, have I ever told you that every single moment spent with you feels unbearable?"

Jessica was struck speechless by his words.

Steven ended the call abruptly.

The beeping sound of the disconnected line echoed in Jessica's ears as she took a deep breath. She would have to get busy soon.

First, she needed to find a man more handsome and wealthier than Steven and secure him as her new target. Second, she needed to ensure Steven remained under her control.

At the very least, she had to make sure Steven continued to give her money. Otherwise, her current lifestyle would be unsustainable.

Jessica contemplated her next moves carefully. What could she do to get Steven to willingly return to her? Should she play the victim?

...

The main task for the afternoon was to color the sketches I had stockpiled earlier. After achieving my target for the day, I stretched and felt a wave of satisfaction wash over me. It had been a productive day. I got up and decided to head downstairs for a break.

Zane asked, "Are you going out?"

"Yeah. Just for a stroll," I replied. I walked over to him and, out of courtesy, asked, "Do you want to come along?"

Zane didn't decline. "Sure."