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

there's no need for me to be tied down by things and

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

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

brows. Willow was embarrassed, too. She said, "My friends say that

s a small wish, so I decided to fulfill her wish. I said, "Do you want to brush

and said, "In

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

was petite; she couldn't be seen in the bathroom mirror. And so, Zane found her a stool. After thanking him, Willow stepped onto the stool and made funny faces at her reflection in the mirror. She grinned and said, "Mommy, look at

over. In case I couldn't see her teeth, Willow opened her mouth bigger. I played

exaggeratedly, "Wow,

and said, "I brush my

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

her toothbrush and stole several glances at