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

think there's no need for me to be tied down by things and people of the past.

door. I opened the door to find Willow and

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

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

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

up and said, "In Mommy's

at me

She ga eyes. I casually put her bunny doll aside and said, "Let's go." Willow skipped along behind me. I was amazed

her a stool. After thanking him, Willow stepped onto the stool and made funny faces at her reflection

see her teeth, Willow opened her mouth

exaggeratedly, "Wow,

and said, "I brush my teeth

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

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