The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Sherry continued, "If I've messed up, I'll admit it and apologize. But if I haven't done anything wrong, I'm not going to apologize no matter how much he pushes."

Eric let out a relieved breath. "That's good to hear."

Sasha, however, looked skeptical. "But what if it's Yvette who's in the wrong? Did she ever apologize?"

Sherry went silent. Sasha quickly grasped the implication of her silence. With Gavin supporting her, it was unlikely Yvette would offer an apology.noveldrama

Sasha gave Sherry's shoulder a comforting pat. "It's okay. You've been through a lot, but that's because you didn't have anyone on your side. From here on out, you've got me and Eric. If Gavin or Yvette ever try to mess with you, we're with you all the way. They'll regret it if they do!"

That was when Sherry finally felt the weight lift from her chest.

"Thanks," she said softly.

"Don't even mention it!"

Steven was up early and headed out for work.

Meanwhile, Jessica got out of bed and decided to take a walk, her pregnant belly slowing her down with every step. When she stepped into the courtyard of their apartment complex, she spotted Gary and Julia waiting downstairs.

Jessica frowned. "Didn't I make myself clear? What are you doing here?"

"We're really hoping you'll forgive us," Gary said.

Jessica scoffed. "Do you hear how ridiculous that sounds? You took Ruby's side, believed every word she

said, and did everything that

make my life miserable. And then

what? I hit my breaking point and divorced Casper.

"It was only then that you realized Ruby had been lying all along and wanted me

to go back to how things were. Do you honestly think it's that simple?"

Just the sight of them was enough to make her blood boil. They were the ones who had tarnished her reputation, spreading lies that she was only after Casper's money.

But the truth was he'd given her almost nothing when she was with him. Yet, she had put up with it all, convincing herself it was for the sake of keeping the family intact.

When Gary and Julia treated her like

Qu

dirt, she'd told herself that maybe they'd eventually come around and accept her. But over time, her resentment toward them had dug in deep and became something she couldn't shake.

Every day, Jessica poured out her frustrations to Yvonne.

Gary and Julia had never embraced Cody as their grandson, and Jessica had always felt like she didn't measure up. Even up until the divorce, things never went the way she'd hoped.

After parting ways with Casper, she was finally free from their endless rejections. Her life began to find a sense of peace. Yet, the pain they had caused her lingered deep within. It was a scar that would never fade.

Watching Gary struggle to find the right words, Julia asked, "So, what do we have to do to earn your forgiveness? You do have to give us an answer, don't you?"

Jessica rested a hand on her belly and said without thinking, "I'd advise you to let

it go. No matter what you do, I'll never forgive you."

Gary pressed on. "What if Steven goes bankrupt?"

Jessica lifted her gaze to meet his. "Did you forget that when I was with Casper, he didn't have much money either?"

The irony of it all almost made her laugh.