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!"

I beamed

She nodded.

sighed, feeling touched.

the street. We didn't head home until

...

watched Annalise's

understand. Annalise had once loved Steven so much, so how could she get over him so

stood there for a long time, then he

the phone, his voice filled with curiosity.

though he hadn't fully realized it yet. If he told Steven this painful truth, he would certainly suffer. But at least Steven still

the heartbreak quickly. Maybe he could even fall in love with Jessica

"I ran into Annalise today at the

perked up. "Which food

rush over to her-even if it was just to create a chance encounter. He continued, "She was

Steven responded lazily, "Oh."

as if to make sure Steven heard him clearly. "She seemed to really enjoy her life now. "Steven, she's probably completely done with

felt like a bucket of cold water had been dumped over Steven's head, and he snapped

couldn't comprehend how she became