The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

"All this over some little disagreement?" Gavin asked.

Sherry replied calmly, "What you see as nothing was the final straw. I've always been the one keeping things together in this relationship. Every time Yvette caused problems, I was the one who got hurt while you stood by her, pushing me to apologize just to keep the peace.

"Of course, it all seems like no big deal to you. No one wants to live their life swallowing bitterness.

"That day made me take a hard look at what was left of my feelings for you. Was there enough love left to keep putting up with you always taking her side? The answer is no.

"I realized, all at once, that my feelings for you were gone. Turns out there wasn't even enough left to handle one of you, let alone both of you together. So, since we've reached this point, I figured it's best if we just go our separate ways."

Sherry's eyes held an easy smile as she added, "It's just that I hadn't figured out how to say goodbye. You solved that for me."

Gavin stared at her, stunned. He'd assumed her coldness was just an act. After all, everyone knew how deeply she loved him after so many years together.

Sherry had always fussed over his health, making sure he had three meals a day. She'd kept a watchful eye on his company's operations, making sure everything ran smoothly. She was the kind of jealous lover who saw potential rivals in every woman who came near him.

Gavin had grown accustomed to her devotion and never imagined she'd actually leave him.

threatened

"Remember that day you to break up with me unless I apologized to Yvette?" Sherry asked, her words crisp and deliberate. "You finally gave me the out I needed. So, I really should thank you for setting me free.

"Now that I am, I won't be walking back down that toxic road, and I hope we can part on good terms. Maybe you should start thinking about being with Yvette properly."

As Sherry finished speaking, she turned to leave. But Gavin reached out and caught her wrist. Sherry stopped, then turned to meet Gavin's eyes.

"Aren't you even going to think about giving us another chance?" he asked.noveldrama

Sherry chuckled and nodded. "That's right. I'm not. Once you've been through something, going back to it doesn't mean much."

Gavin watched as Sherry walked away. He kept his eyes on her until she was completely out of sight.

Not long after, Yvette Wythe appeared at Gavin's side, her voice dripping with disdain. "See? I told you she was playing you. I know her type.

"Women like that are clingy and controlling. They want to wipe out every other woman in your life. Even innocent friendships turn into drama for their own selfish reasons."

She paused, glancing sideways at his expression. "Every time she started a fight over me, it was just a way to pressure you into cutting me off. But what happens after you push me away? You think she'll stop there?"

As her words kept pouring out, Gavin turned to face her, his gaze fixed on hers. "But she meant it."