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

She nodded.

sighed, feeling touched. "That's

us continued walking aimlessly along the street. We

...

Annalise's retreating

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

then he

voice filled with

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 he could

saying, "I ran into Annalise today at

perked up.

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

Steven responded lazily, "Oh."

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

of cold water had been dumped over Steven's head, and he

were right. From the moment they divorced, Annalise had really stopped caring about him. However he couldn't comprehend how she became so heartless. He didn't understand how she could