But now, Casper's confidence was shaken. Jessica had found her own strengths and could make her own money. She didn't need his or Steven's wealth anymore.
A wave of panic hit Casper. If that was true, how was he supposed to hold onto her? Grasping at straws, he brought up their child.
"Have you considered that the baby you're carrying is mine? What's going to happen to you and the baby once I'm gone?" he asked.
"I'll raise our child with Steven," Jessica said.
These days, love didn't mean much to her. If anything, life had only gotten better without it.
Casper stressed every word as he asked, "What happens if Steven finds out the baby isn't his? How are you going to handle it if you end up alone?"
He was desperate, as if this was the only way he could prove that he still mattered.
"That's why I'm asking you not to tell him. No one will ever know as long as you keep quiet," Jessica said.
Casper said nothing. Jessica added, "And even if he does find out one day, it won't change anything."
She had stopped feeling like she needed a man in her life.
Jessica chuckled. "Now that I can make my own money, I can handle everything myself. So there's no need for you to worry.
"Besides, your parents have been reaching out a lot lately. I'm guessing something's wrong with the company again."
She stayed calm as she continued, "As their son, you'll keep worrying about them if you stay here. But Casper, there's nothing you can do for them from here.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)