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."

took a deep breath and said, "Are you still angry at

slowly. "I think there's no need for me to be tied down by things and people of the

Thung up and blocked his number. Suddenly, somebody knocked on my door. I opened the door to find Willow and a

dessert, so she must brush her teeth tonight.

his brows. Willow was embarrassed, too. She said, "My friends say that their Mommy will

her wish. I said, "Do you want

up and said, "In

me with

handed 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.

stool. After thanking him, Willow stepped onto the stool and made funny faces at her reflection in

her mouth bigger. I played along with Willow's childish actions, and I found it fun,

exaggeratedly, "Wow,

her chin and said, "I brush my teeth every

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

several glances at me. She