The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Jessica had tolerated Gary and Julia for years, too. And yet, things never got

better between them. If Casper's parents had been as amenable as they were now, perhaps Jessica might still be part of their family.noveldrama

Casper said, "It's too late now. I think you should go."

Julia begged to differ. "How are you so sure Jessica won't forgive us if she hasn't heard us out yet?"

"Because she's made up her mind to settle down with Steven," Casper said, sounding heartbroken. "She had it rough while living under our roof, and now that she finally has a shot at a new life and a happy ending, you should leave her alone. Let her have her peace."

Julia refused to accept this. "No, I won't stand for it. Her child is the only grandson of the Gibson family. She can go ahead and marry someone else, but I won't let another man raise my grandson!"

"That wasn't what you said." Casper couldn't help the wave of resignation that crashed over him when he heard Julia's words. Things might not have panned out the way they did if his parents had reaffirmed Cody's place in the family sooner. Alas, the reassurance had come too little, too late.

Jessica and Cody were already beyond hurt from the way Gary and Julia had treated them. Casper blamed himself for not being strong enough to take a stand against his parents and protect his wife and child. He had let them suffer too much, and they'd be foolish to return to their family.

"You cannot undo the hurt you've caused Jessica and Cody, and I hope you realize that." Not wanting to continue the topic, Casper asked, "Given your sudden visit, where do you plan on staying? I could give you a ride."

Gary said, "Drop us off at Jessica's place. We could spend some time with her and show her how we truly wish to make amends."

"Steven got her the place she's currently staying at," Casper pointed out, hoping his parents understood that the chances of Jessica letting them crash at her place were slim to none.

"And she's living with him, too. What standing do you have to show up there and ask for a spare room? Did it ever cross your mind that Jessica might not forgive you or that she wouldn't want to be bothered by you?"

Gary was stumped. Julia suggested, "Maybe we should stay in a hotel."

Just then, Gary gave Casper a look and asked, "What about your place, then? Could we stay with you while we're here?"

Casper turned him down right away. "Forget it, Dad. The place I'm renting only has room for one. We'd hardly have any space to move around if you and Mom moved in with me."

Gary didn't mind. "Surely you're used to the finer things in life and would not settle for lesser accommodation. It's decided, then. We'll crash at your place tonight."

Casper saw how insistent he was and did not argue with him. He simply gave his father a long, hard look before acquiescing with a brief, "All right."

Julia was pleased. "I've been curious about the place you rented. Now, I finally get to see it!"

"Sure," Casper replied. He kept his eyes on the road as he drove home and parked his car in the basement carpark. They took the elevator up to his apartment. It was a small unit that spanned no more than 300 square feet, which was enough for a small bed and a tiny living room.

Despite the limited space, Casper made it a point to keep the apartment orderly.