The Unveiled Rose

"Hmm?" Steven asked absentmindedly.

Jessica could sense Steven's recent indifference. She could tell he was trying to distance himself, slowly turning them back into strangers. Yet, she hadn't gotten everything she wanted from him, so she couldn't let that happen.

She needed to keep Steven from leaving her, so she spoke with nostalgia in her voice, "This park's been here since our college days." Recalling those innocent, youthful years seemed to ease the heavy weight on Steven's chest, as if someone had lifted a burden.

Steven smiled. "Yeah. Back when we were just broke students with no money for anything else, we'd often come to the park together."

Seeing his willingness to engage, Jessica continued, "Anytime we walked together, everyone would tease us. They'd say we were made for each other and destined to be together. They even tried to set us up."

Jessica looked up at the sky. There were no high-rises nearby, leaving the space open and allowing a clear view of the stars.

Steven remained silent, not responding to her words.

Jessica turned to him, her voice gentle yet firm. "Steven, did I ever tell you? I really did like you back then."

"Is that so?" Steven looked surprised. "I didn't know."

Jessica's fingers fidgeted nervously as she went on, "But I was too young and too influenced by the lure of money to know what I truly wanted. I thought money was the most important thing. That's why I left you and went with Casper."

That memory had never left Steven's mind. Even now, he could vividly recall the crushing disappointment he felt upon hearing that Jessica had left town. He felt as though he had been struck. He saw it as a betrayal.

After all, he thought he and Jessica shared something special-an unspoken bond. They had never openly admitted to it, but he was already planning their future together, thinking about how to start a business and earn enough to give Jessica a good life. But all of that shattered when she boarded that plane and disappeared.

Steven chuckled softly. "I was so bitter after you left."

Jessica immediately apologized, "I'm sorry."

Steven continued, as if lost in his own thoughts, "You know, you were my first love. I truly loved you then. Even after I married Annalise, I still wanted to ask you why you left. But as the time passed, I began to find peace."

Maybe it was because he had a caring wife waiting at home, an adorable son, a warm, inviting living room, and a delicious meal always ready. His youthful regrets slowly faded into the background, and he thought a lifetime with Annalise seemed more than enough. Steven's eyes grew distant, memories swirling within them.

"Steven..." Jessica bit her lip, composing herself before speaking earnestly, "I know I made mistakes. But I've changed. I've realized the wrongs of my past. Can you let go of the past and accept me?"

Steven simply looked at her. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her simple white dress made her look just as he remembered untouched by time.

Steven felt even more uncertain. He wondered. Was leaving Annalise for Jessica really worth it?