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."

deep breath and said, "Are you still

moving on with my life," I said slowly. "I think there's no need for me to be tied down by things and people of the

blocked his number. Suddenly, somebody knocked on my door. I opened

behind Willow, Zane said, "She had dessert, so she must brush her teeth

that their Mommy will brush their teeth

fulfill her wish. I said, "Do you want

up and said, "In Mommy's

me with her

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. I

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 my

her mouth bigger. I played along with Willow's

exaggeratedly, "Wow,

proudly raised her chin and said, "I brush my

Willow's cheeks when I saw her proud expression, but I controlled myself. I said, "Good job,

and stole several