The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

"If we aren't suitable, we should just end it. Clinging to a broken thread will only hurt us more deeply."

I smiled as I continued, "I'm serious. Before letting go, we always deceive ourselves, thinking that as long as we hold on, things will turn out fine.

"But in reality, it's only after letting go and embracing a new life that we realize the past that we couldn't part with was actually a torment."

As I spoke, I lowered my gaze to my toes. "I think the biggest difference in me now is that I've become braver."

Suzy, having gone through similar experiences, felt the same way. "Absolutely. During my marriage, I was so hurt when my husband cheated. Yet, people around me kept brainwashing me, saying that it's normal for men to cheat. Some even blamed me, saying it was my fault he strayed."

She stared ahead, her expression calm. "But after the divorce, I finally realized it wasn't my fault. The fault was his. It had nothing to do with me. We just need to be responsible for ourselves. I don't need to worry about others."

In the study, Tinsley couldn't help but feel nervous upon seeing Zane. She kept her head down, unsure of how to begin.

Zane, on the other hand, casually tapped his fingers on the desk in front of him. He spoke about a few strategic directions for collaboration.

Tinsely looked up in surprise. "How did you know our company recently ventured into these industries?"

Zane replied nonchalantly, "I've always been keeping an eye on you. I've wanted to help you, but I was afraid you'd resent me for interfering too much and feel like you couldn't learn to be independent. So, I never brought it up." Tinsley was in disbelief. "You don't hate me?" she asked.noveldrama

This was something that had always weighed on her mind.

"Why would I hate you?" Zane asked, puzzled.

"Well, Mom handed the company to me back then and gave you nothing."

Tinsley had seen too many people fall out over unfair family inheritance. She had even thought that, even if Zane didn't resent her, he wouldn't want to have anything to do with her anymore.

Zane chuckled. "Do you really think I'd care about such trivial benefits?"

"True," Tinsley admitted, finally letting out a sigh of relief. She could tell Zane still cared deeply for her.

With a hint of complaint, she asked, "Then why didn't you tell me earlier? I've been wanting to collaborate with you but didn't know how to bring it up. was worried you'd still hold a grudge about the company"

Although their last interaction had reassured Tinsley that Zane didn't seem to mind, she couldn't shake the worry that he might just be using this as a way to reconcile. Deep

down, she feared he still cared.

After all, during their previous encounter, Zane had only discussed company matters with her and hadn't offered any real help.

Of course, Tinsley knew she was in the wrong, so she hadn't dared to ask for anything.

Upon seeing her conflicted expression, Zane couldn't help but laugh. "Do you really think I'm that petty?"

Tinsley blurted out without hesitation, "No. It's just that most people around me would care about the company's ownership and fight over it. I instinctively assumed you'd be the same."

"I watched you grow up. You should know better than anyone what kind of person I am."

Tinsley flashed a sheepish smile. "Well, people can act differently when money's involved."

Zane sighed, but he wasn't going to dwell on it. To him, the past was the past, and there was no point wasting time on it.

He kept his expression calm and said, "But let me remind you of one thing-when I work with others, my expectations might not be too high."