The Unveiled Rose
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!"

"Really?" I beamed with joy.

She nodded.

I sighed, feeling touched. "That's wonderful."

The three of us continued walking aimlessly along the street. We didn't head home until Willow felt less bloated.

...

Gavin watched Annalise's retreating figure.

He couldn't understand. Annalise had once loved Steven so much, so how could she get over him so easily?

He stood there for a long time, then he decided to tell Steven about this encounter.

"Hello?" Steven answered the phone, his voice filled with curiosity. "What's going on?"

Gavin 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 certainly suffer. But at least Steven still had Jessica by his side.

With Jessica's company, Steven would probably get over the heartbreak quickly. Maybe he could even fall in love with Jessica again.

Gavin paused for a moment before saying, "I ran into Annalise today at the food market."

Steven perked up. "Which food market?"

Gavin 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 continued, "She was with Zane."

Steven responded lazily, "Oh."

"I 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 now."

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

So, his feelings 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 throw all those years of love away. Steven's heart felt heavy.

Gavin glanced at his phone. Steven didn't answer him, nor did he hang up.

He pretended not to notice Steven's feelings and cheerfully said, "You should be happy about this. Steven, this means she won't bother you anymore. You can focus on enjoying your time with Jessica now."

Gavin's tone was light and casual.

Steven thought for a moment.

Gavin's words made sense, but he still couldn't smile. He tried, but the smile just wouldn't come.

"Yeah."