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 angry

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

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

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

Willow was embarrassed, too. She said, "My friends say that their Mommy will brush their teeth with them. But My Mommy never

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

up and said,

at me with her

bedroom to collect her cup and toothbrush. She ga eyes. I casually put her bunny doll aside and

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

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

"Wow,

proudly raised her chin and said, "I brush my

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

hearing that, Willow smiled shyly. She put kids' toothpaste on her toothbrush and stole several glances at me.