The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Suddenly, Sherry's expression soured. "When Gavin and I first got together, all my friends tried to warn me. They kept saying a guy who stayed that close to another woman would only end up breaking my heart.

"But I didn't want to hear it. I thought they were making a big deal out of nothing, and I convinced myself that if I let those doubts take over, I'd never find real love.

"So, I threw myself into the relationship with Gavin. But once we were together, it didn't take long for me to realize they'd been right all along.

"To him, that woman always came first. Every time she went after me, he'd turn around and demand I apologize to her. At first, I could let it slide. But over time, it just wears me down."

Her voice was thick with exhaustion.

Sasha nodded in agreement. "Exactly."

"Lately, we got into it again over her," Sherry said. "And once again, he sided with her without hesitation. When I finally calmed down and thought it through, I realized nothing had changed after all these years.

"If I stay with him, what kind of future am I even looking at? I could see myself stuck in this cycle for years, with no end in sight. But I don't want to deceive myself anymore. I'm worn out, too.

"Leaving him hurts right now, but after throwing myself into work and really living my life, I feel like a huge weight's been lifted."

She drew a deep breath and added, "And these past few months, I've learned so much. Now I can't help but wonder if I'd left Gavin sooner, would I have found this peace a long time ago?"

Her eyes rested on Sasha, who felt a small surge of relief. Sherry's tone made one thing clear-after everything she'd been through, she wasn't about to jump back into a relationship anytime soon.

"You absolutely would have," Sasha said. "A toxic man does nothing but drain you. Cutting him loose was the only way to breathe again."

Sherry stared at her, disbelief written across her face. "You don't hate me?" "Why would I?" Sasha asked.

"Everyone in your circle can't stand me," Sherry replied without hesitation.

Sasha waved a hand dismissively. "They're just a clique held together by shared interests. Honestly, I can't and them either. They're nothing but a bunch of trust-fund parasites."

Smiling, Sherry said, "But you seemed so cold toward me at first."

Sasha answered bluntly, "The only things knew about you were what they said. They painted you as some kind of petty, spiteful villain. So I

assumed that's who you were.

"But the truth is, you're competent and

living You've made your

your own hard work.

You're nothing like those leeches."

Sherry let out a breath as if a burden had been lifted. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it." As Sasha was about to leave, she noticed Gavin hovering in the doorway. "Looks like your ex is here, though."noveldrama

Sherry glanced over and sneered. "Probably here to demand I apologize to his precious friend again."