The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Men just couldn't seem to resist Jessica. She couldn't help but smile at that thought.

Yelena asked, "What kind of men would like me?"

Jessica hesitated, glancing her over.

Even though Yelena was Annalise's age, she lacked her poise and composure. Instead, she came off as a little foolish.

Jessica found it off-putting, but she didn't let it show. Instead, she forced a smile and replied, "Probably the more mature, experienced type."

Yelena pursed her lips. That usually meant older men who were not exactly her type.

Jessica knew what she was thinking, but she kept her expression neutral. "But honestly, I don't think just any man is worthy of you. Someone like Zane is just right."

Yelena's expression brightened up at that. "Exactly!"

Jessica nodded and replied with a hum of acknowledgement.

Yelena frowned. "But the problem is, the men who are worthy of me don't seem to want me."

"Persistence pays off," Jessica said smoothly.

She had plenty of patience her work was done for the day, and toying with people like this was actually kind of fun.

"Look at Annalise. She stayed by Zane's side for so long before he finally accepted and married her."

Yelena widened her eyes when she heard that. "You're right! I won't rush it. I'll just stick to Zane like glue. I refuse to believe that after all this time, he won't fall for me!"

Jessica beamed. "You have my full support!"

Yelena stayed to chat a while longer before finally leaving. As she reached the door, Jessica commented, "It's late. Are you sure you'll be safe going back alone?

I can have someone take you home."

Yelena waved her off. "No need."

Jessica watched her disappear into the night. After she left, Jessica lowered her gaze to her belly.

Now that getting rid of the child was out of the question, she figured there was no way Zane would ever be interested in a pregnant woman. The best strategy was to let someone else chase after Zane first.

Once he had a wife and a string of @wif

admirers, others would give up on him By the time Jessica had given birth and fully recovered she could, finally make her move. She was determined to have Zane-hewas the only man in this world worthy of her. śwnovel

Just then, someone knocked at the door and interrupted Jessica's thoughts. She walked to the door and peered through the peephole.

To her surprise, Yelena was standing outside.

Jessica raised a brow. "Didn't you just leave? Why are you back?"

Yelena explained, "I just realized I don't have your number! Give me your contact info, will you?"

Jessica refused her outright, "What would be the point? It's not like we'd have any reason to talk."

Yelena insisted, "Of course we would! What if I run into trouble while chasing Zane? I could call you for advice!"

Jessica decided to agree to her request since she found the real-time updates entertaining.

"All right," she said, taking Yelena's phone and typing her number.

Yelena beamed when she saw it. "Thanks!"

Then, she waved and strode off.noveldrama

...

While sitting in her car, Yelena pulled out her phone and started searching for information on Jessica.

Most of what she found related to Jessica's career-it wasn't bad, but Compared to Annalise she always seemed to fall just a little short.

Yelena curted her lips in disdain. Annalise was obviously the smarter one the richer one too. But none of that really mattered to her.

She scrolled through pages and pages of search results, but nothing was

connecting Jessica to Zane.

Her brows furrowed. Did Jessica truly have nothing to do with him? But something

felt off about the way

she talked about him.

Unconvinced, Yelena adjusted her search query, adding Zane's name.

And this time, the results flooded in.