The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 41

Leander's voice, laced with frustration, broke through the phone.

I glanced at the caller ID, realizing I hadn't blocked Leander yet.

"What do you think?" I retorted.

Leander, irked by my nonchalant tone, clenched his teeth and said, "Do you have any idea how your son felt, waiting alone at the daycare until 9 PM because you didn't show up?"

I calmly responded, "Mr. Payne, it seems you're pointing fingers at the wrong person. Luna is his mother now. And I..."

I stood up, walking out onto the balcony, gazing into the distance.

The night was pitch black, with only the stars above and the distant glow of household lights.

I continued calmly, "I'm just a stranger now."

Leander took a deep breath. "Are you still holding a grudge against us?"

"No," I replied methodically. "I've simply moved on to a new life. There's no need to get entangled with the past anymore."

Without giving Leander a chance to respond, I hung up and blocked him.

"Knock, knock, knock."

Hearing the knocking, I quickly went to open the door.

Joyce stood there, hugging her bunny plushie, looking up at me with big eyes.

Reuben, trailing behind her, sighed, "She had some candy, so I had to wake her up for a tooth-brushing session. But then..."

He massaged his temple. "She insisted on seeing you."

Joyce looked a bit embarrassed. "My classmates all say that their moms accompany them while brushing their teeth."

Her voice trailed off. "But my mom... hasn't."

It was such a small wish that I was naturally inclined to fulfill. "So, do you want to brush your teeth in my bathroom or your bedroom?" Joyce's eyes lit up instantly. "In Mommy's!"

She then hurriedly handed me her bunny, dashed to her room to grab her cup and toothbrush, and rushed back to me.

Her eyes shone brightly as she looked up at me.

I casually placed her bunny on a nearby table. "Let's go."

Joyce hopped along behind me.

Kids are so easily satisfied.

...

Joyce was tiny, barely able to see herself in the bathroom mirror as she stood on the stool Reuben had brought for her. After thanking him, she climbed on, gazing at her reflection and sporting a huge smile. "Look, Mommy, my teeth are so white," she proudly showed off her pearly whites.

I leaned in for a closer look.

Joyce opened her mouth even wider, wanting to make sure I saw.

This childlike act brought me joy, and I exaggeratedly gasped, "Wow, they really are!"

Joyce lifted her chin with pride. "I brush them every day!"

Her boastful demeanor made me want to pinch her cheeks, but I refrained. "Joyce, you're doing great."

Joyce giggled shyly, squeezing a stripe of kid-friendly toothpaste onto her brush, sneaking glances at me.

Her little thoughts were transparent, but I didn't want to call her out on them.

Finally, Joyce couldn't hold back any longer. "Mommy, can you promise me something?"

Her voice was cautious as if fearing rejection.

I didn't immediately answer. "Hmm?"

Joyce lowered her voice. "I want to sleep with you tonight."

She paused her brushing, waiting for my response.

"Can you make me a promise, too?" I set down my cup, meeting her gaze.

Joyce eagerly responded, "Tell me!"

I slowed my speech. "I know you're not keen on talking to others, and I won't force you. But starting today, at least try to talk to your dad."