The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Steven was barking through the phone. When I glanced at my screen, I suddenly realized I hadn't blocked his number yet.

"What were you expecting?"

se you didn

didn't pick him up, he waited alone outside t

the

Angered by how nonchalant I sounded, Steven snarled, "Did you know? Because kindergarten. He got home at 9:00 pm."

Treplied calmly, "Mr. Pelham, but I think you're blaming the wrong person Jessica is his mother now. And I..."

I got up and walked out to the balcony. I looked into the distance and saw the starry skies and city lights.

"I'm just a stranger."

said, "Are you still

moving on with my life," I said slowly. "I think there's no need for me to be tied down by things

door. I opened the

Willow, Zane said, "She had dessert, so she must brush her teeth tonight.

"My friends say that

off. It was s a small wish, so I decided to fulfill her wish. I said, "Do you want to brush your teeth in

up and

at me with

me her doll, and then she ran back to her bedroom to collect her cup and toothbrush. She ga eyes. I casually put her bunny doll aside and said, "Let's go." Willow skipped along behind me. I was amazed at how easily

stool. After thanking him, Willow stepped onto the

case I couldn't see her teeth, Willow opened her mouth bigger. I played along with Willow's childish actions, and

said exaggeratedly, "Wow, they're so

chin and said, "I

an urge to rub Willow's cheeks when I saw her proud expression, but I controlled myself. I

hearing that, Willow smiled shyly. She put kids' toothpaste on her toothbrush and stole several glances at me. She couldn't hide