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."

a deep breath and said, "Are you still

life," I said slowly. "I think there's no need for me to be tied

his number. Suddenly, somebody knocked on my door. I opened the door to find Willow and a long-cared bunny doll outside

brush her teeth

embarrassed, too. She said, "My friends say that their Mommy will

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

perked up and

at me with her

ga eyes. I casually put her bunny doll aside and

stepped onto the stool and made funny faces at her reflection in the mirror. She grinned and said, "Mommy, look at my

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

"Wow,

chin and said, "I brush

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

She put kids' toothpaste on her toothbrush and stole several glances at me. She couldn't hide her