The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Of course, I wouldn't comply.

My voice came out cold. "I don't think I have done anything wrong, though."

At my words, Steven became agitated. I ignored him and turned back into my bedroom.

"Annalise!" Jessica suddenly piped up.

I turned my head around to look at her. Indeed, she was beautiful. She looked stunning even with light makeup and a simple hairdo.

For some reason, she needed to tell me, "I only prepared breakfast for four... I'm sorry. I was so used to preparing breakfast for them at my house that I forgot I'm not home now..." She spoke with lowered eyes, teary and heart-wrenching.

"You did nothing wrong!" Steven couldn't bear watching Jessica cry. "Don't apologize to her."

Her beady tears fell, and she said pitifully, "But Annalise dislikes me. She might actually resent me if I don't get her forgiveness. She took my room last night, and now..."

She glanced at me amid her words, blatantly insinuating that I was targeting her.

I took a mental note of everything I saw now. Once I exposed all her shameful deeds, I would stand before her again, tall and upright.

I hoped she could maintain her lying, manipulative, and evil antics by then. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing for her.

Steven was convinced. "Look at you, Annalise. Why can't you be as kind as Jessica? She did nothing and was willing to compromise and apologize to you.

"And what did you do? You took her room last night and frightened her, yet you don't feel an ounce of remorse."

He looked at me with blame.

I almost rolled my eyes at him because of how ridiculous he was. All of that just to frame me for something I didn't do?

I questioned back, "What did you expect? Was I supposed to get on my knees and beg her for my room after I came home? Should I thank you for so graciously letting me sleep in my own bed? Do I owe you my life for that?"

I didn't want to continue this conversation and headed to the main door. It seemed I had to finalize the divorce soon, or they would drive me crazy.

Jessica looked like she was about to cry. "Annalise ignored me. Is she still blaming me?"

Steven's heart ached for her. "I dare her!"

Alright. Challenge accepted.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

I arrived at a breakfast shop and ordered some sandwiches. After taking my seat, I fished out my spy brooch camera and recorder pen from my pocket.

I had recorded everything that happened at home over the last few days. It was for backup, just in case. Perhaps these footage and recordings would help me against my case one day.

People who committed vicious acts were bound to pay someday.

I smiled, fastening the brooch back onto my shirt.

I returned home after breakfast and bumped into Steven and the others at the door. His footsteps halted.

Zachary explained, "It's Saturday, and I don't have classes. So, we're having a family field trip today."

Since Jessica moved into our home, Zachary had long regarded them as his new family. He didn't bother concealing his disdain for me. "You'd better not come uninvited because you're just gonna be a downer!"

Jessica told me with a smile, "But we're coming back for dinner tonight. So, thanks in advance for the meal, Annalise."