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 past. What do you

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

her teeth

his brows. Willow was embarrassed, too. She said, "My friends say that their Mommy will brush their teeth with them. But My

I decided to fulfill her wish. I said, "Do you want

up and said,

at me with her

She ga eyes. I casually put 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

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

exaggeratedly, "Wow, they're so

her chin and said, "I brush my teeth

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

kids' toothpaste on her toothbrush and stole several