The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 124

Gavin fell silent.

I had no intention of wasting any more time on him, so I withdrew my mocking gaze and continued walking with Willow.

Frustrated, Willow grumbled, "Mommy, I really don't like that guy."

"When your ex-husband hurt you, none of them spoke up for you," she continued, her voice growing bitter. "And now that you're doing better, they're all coming to criticize you!" She glared back at Gavin, her anger evident. "Who do they think they are?"

She was standing up for me. I couldn't spoil the moment. "You're right."

Willow's expression turned sad. "I really wish I could talk to other people. Then, I could defend you, Mommy!"

I played along with her words. "Then, you'll have to try your best."

Willow looked up at me.

I pretended to be troubled and said, "Life is long, and there will always be people criticizing me. I really hope you can speak up for me one day."

Willow's face became serious as she said, "Mommy, I will never let you down!"

beamed with

She nodded.

feeling

aimlessly along the street. We didn't

...

Annalise's

much, so how could she get over

there for a long time, then he decided to tell

Steven answered the phone, his voice filled with curiosity. "What's

knew that Steven had already fallen for Annalise, though he hadn't fully realized it yet. If he told Steven this painful truth, he would

the heartbreak quickly. Maybe

moment before saying, "I ran

up.

knew hearing about Annalise's whereabouts would surely make Steven want to rush over to her-even if it was just to create a chance encounter. He

Steven responded lazily, "Oh."

saw her, and..." Gavin slowed his speech on purpose, as if to make sure Steven heard him clearly. "She seemed to really enjoy her life now. "Steven, she's probably completely done with you

had been dumped over Steven's head, and he snapped to

he couldn't comprehend how she became so heartless. He didn't understand how she could throw all those years