The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

"So, when I found out you were using Zane's identity to talk to me, it actually

helped me let go of a lot of my resentment. I could see you as someone new. But

you don't have to do that anymore." Jessica texted.

"Why not?" Casper texted back.

But there was only a single gray check mark next to his message. She had

blocked him. Panicked, he called her, and she picked up.

Casper said tearfully, "I was wrong. Please forgive me. Or at least give me

another chance. I swear, I'll treat you right! I'll take your side if you ever have

issues with my parents, no matter what."

He sounded so desperate, as if he was barely holding himself together.

Jessica remained silent for a long time before finally speaking. "I didn't tell you all

this because I want us to get back together."

She knew that even if they did, it wouldn't be long before another fight made

Casper throw something like, "If you hadn't made me pick sides, I'd still be fine

with my parents" in her face.

Jessica was done carrying that weight. She wanted to start living for herself for a

life that felt a little lighter.

She spoke calmly, trying to reassure him. "Besides, you don't love me as much as

you think. You're just not used to losing me so suddenly. Give it some time. Once

you adjust, you'll be fine.

"You can get back to your life and fix things with your family. Casper, honestly, you

should appreciate what you have right now."

Casper was sobbing so hard he could barely catch his breath. "I know, but I can't

help it. I love you."

Jessica didn't know what else to say. Then it hit her-maybe she didn't have to

keep trying. They were meant to go their separate ways, just strangers from here

on out.

"Go ahead and cry for a bit. Maybe you'll feel better once you get it all out," she

said.

Then, she hung up, blocked his

number, and turned to look out the

window, tears sliding down her

cheeks. It was bound to end

eventually, so it would be better to

make a clean break now.

Back at the office, Casper's mind was still a mess. He bit his lip, and it took a long

time before he could pull himself together enough to focus on work.

It'd be fine he told himself. Once his

project took off and he made some

real money, he'd show up before

Jessica with genuine sincerity. She'd

definitely take him back if he provednoveldrama

himself.

Just then, Gary called. "Are you sure you're coming back? "You're not just saying

that?"

Casper was quiet for a long moment before saying, "Probably. I just don't know

when."

"And have you cut things off with Jessica?" Gary asked.

Casper broke down emotionally. "It's

not me cutting off with her. She's the

one who dumped me! She asked to

meet up just to tell me she's moved

on! She's got a new life and a

boyfriend.

"She doesn't want to be stuck in the past, right? I messed up in our relationship.

Back when we were together, you and Mom couldn't stand her, and I never had

her back.

"Jessica went through all that misery for nothing and never said a word. Now,

she's finally had enough of me. Happy now?"