The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Steven found Matilda's suggestion to be quite ridiculous. He had initially intended to teach Zachary a lesson. Once Zachary ran out of money, he would realize his mistakes. Steven would eventually forgive him and continue to provide financial support. But with Matilda causing such a scene, Steve considered not wanting to care for Zachary at all.

Still, Steven didn't directly agree with what Matilda suggested, saying, "This is what you proposed."

Matilda nodded in response. "It is."

After all, Zachary still had money-enough to support himself for a long time. Matilda felt at ease to speak more harshly.

Upon seeing her determination, Steven picked up his phone, pointed it to face him, and began recording the video. Once finished, he sent it to Matilda.

"I hope you never regret this," he said coldly.

"Don't worry." After Matilda received the video, she checked it thoroughly. Once she confirmed there were no issues, she sighed in relief. "I will never regret it." Matilda's only regret was that she didn't support Annalise's decision when she returned home and expressed her desire for a divorce.

At that moment, Matilda suddenly realized that if her daughter had stayed married to Steven and tried to make it work, she would likely be suffering now. After leaving the office, Matilda sat in the car and felt an inexplicable sense of guilt toward Annalise. She took out her phone and dialed Annalise's number. Once the call connected, Matilda spoke up. "Hello?"

Annalise asked in confusion. "Mom? What made you think to contact me all of a sudden?"

Matilda sighed and said, "Before I continue, I need to apologize."

Annalise was even more confused. "Huh?"

"I used to have a rather conservative view." Matilda hesitated before continuing, "I thought Steven was a decent person and that you shouldn't divorce him.

"But after talking with him today, I suddenly realized he's a beast. He cheated to be with his first love abandoned the wife who suffered alongside him, and even took the child away.

"And now he doesn't even care for Zachary. His mother is just as foolish; instead of using this opportunity to be good to Zachary, she's trying to please Jessica! Leaving their family was definitely the right decision."

...

As I listened to Matilda's voice on the phone, a smile unconsciously spread across my face.

That meant Steven and Chloe had both given up on Zachary. When they eventually found out Jessica was carrying a child that wasn't even Steven's, they would surely regret it!novelbin

I laughed and said, "That's exactly the kind of thing they would do."

Matilda sighed again. "I've come to understand what kind of people they are. Annalise, from now on, do whatever you want. I will support you."

I felt genuinely grateful. "Thank you, Mom."

Matilda's heart seemed to have melted upon hearing Annalise's voice. She suddenly realized that she had previously overlooked Annalise's feelings.

"Why are you being so formal with me? There's no need for that."

I was just about to respond when Matilda hurriedly said, "I still have to pack my things, so I'll hang up now."

Before I could answer, she hung up the phone.

I couldn't help but smile while looking at the screen.

"Was that my mother-in-law calling?" Zane asked as he walked over, familiar with our conversation.

He was already addressing her so

affectionately even before we were married. I looked up at Zane but didn't correct his term of е endearment; instead, I smiled and replied, "Yes."

Zane gave me a knowing smile. "You seem really happy. She must have said something that made you feel good?"