The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

A smile began to spread across Yvette's face. "Actually, you're a close friend to me, too."

"If that's how you really feel, why'd you make me end things with Sherry?" Gavin asked.

Yvette paused, weighing her words carefully before responding. "Maybe it's because you treated her so poorly. It rekindled a tiny bit of hope in me."

Gavin shot back, "I treated her better than anyone else. Everyone knows she was the only one I ever seriously thought about marrying."

He knew he was a terrible guy. But from the first time he met Sherry, he'd known she was the one he'd marry.

Yvette chuckled. "So, your idea of treating her well was making her apologize after every argument, even when she wasn't at fault?"

Gavin was at a loss for words.

Yvette sliced through his hypocrisy with a calm tone. "You always backed up your exes whenever they had problems with your friends. Every one of them. But Sherry? She put up with the most.

"It's just that she's got such a great temperament and a big heart, which is why she stuck around as long as she did."

"Since you're convinced I don't care about her, what made you go after her?" Gavin asked.

Yvette's voice grew distant. "Maybe it's because when I look at her, I see someone who reminds me of who I used to be. I was just as naïve. I wanted to see how long she could handle it.

"And I wanted to know how long I could keep going, too. Not long ago, when she gave up on you, I wondered if I should do the same.

"Then I saw her again, and I could tell how much more at peace she seemed after leaving you. It made me wonder if I could have a better life if I walked away, too."noveldrama

Yvette was never one to deny her own strengths.

"It wasn't until I gave it a try that I

realized how much easier life is

without you:

So don't come after me

again," she said, locking eyes with Gavin her voice carrying a seriousness she had never sho before.

Gavin opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. He realized he'd lost both Yvette and Sherry-two women who had given him their hearts-in just a month.

He shouldn't have been so self-centered. He should have held on to the person he loved.

With Sasha's friends managing the construction of the amusement park and Sage offering support, the park

was

yo and running in no time. The cost was steep, but the quality made it all worth it.

As I looked out at the amusement park, I felt a sense of freedom I hadn't known

before. I could finally break free from Zane's shadow and stand on my own.

...

Steven had once considered Pelham

Group a lost cause, but his

relentless efforts were finally paying off. The company was beginning to turn acorner. Elated, he made his way home, eager to share the good news with Jessica.

Jessica was absorbed in her sketching when she heard the door creak open. She turned to see Steven rushing toward her excitedly.

"What's going on?" she asked.

With a wide grin, Steven replied, "The chaos at Pelham Group is almost sorted out. If everything goes according to plan, we'll have it wrapped up by the end of the month."

Jessica's gaze dropped to her stomach. Perplexed, Steven asked, "What's wrong?"

"The baby could be here in the next two days," she said.

"I'll arrange for a postpartum doula to take care of you," Steven replied calmly.