Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

The day had been a blur of goodbyes as Emma visited those few people who retained any value for her. By the time she got home, hours had slipped through her fingers like sand, and she felt drained but strangely numb. She hadn't eaten all day, and yet food or drink didn't cross her mind. As she approached the house, Vivian's car sat out front, and she knew right then what she was walking into. Vivian, Alexander's little sister, had always shared her big brother's view of Emma-maybe even more so. And there she stood, waiting, as Emma entered the

sitting room.

As soon as Emma walked in, Vivian's eyes brightened, full of evil satisfaction. "I guess the rumor is true, wife," she sneered, marking extra special emphasis on the word "wife", saying it like a dirty joke. The bitterness in her voice churned Emma's stomach, but she remained cool, refusing to take the bait.

She would have pacified Vivian in the past with the act of a perfect wife while insults were being hurled at her. Not today. Today, Emma was through playing games.

"Get out of my sight. I have nothing to say to you, and besides, I am as happy as your brother is concerning this arrangement," Emma shot back, her voice cold and unyielding.

Vivian's sly smile had faltered for just a moment before she regained composure. "Are you now?" she mocked, to which Emma responded with nothing, brushing past Vivian and proceeding straight to her room before slamming the door behind her.

She cried her eyes out, soaking in the scalding water inside her bathroom. The water had done little to soothe the pain and instead exaggerated the ache in her chest. Soon enough, she was engulfed by exhaustion and finally dozed off into a restless sleep. She was jolted awake by the sound of knocking on the door.

Thinking it could be Miranda, she hastily donned her bathrobe and opened the door to find Alexander. The sight of him hit her hard in the chest, enough so that she had to bite into her lip to prevent tears from falling. It was only four weeks ago that, in this same room, he had made love to her for the first time since their marriage, giving her hope that maybe, just maybe, things between them could turn around for the better. Now, he was here handing her divorce papers, ready to leave her for a woman whom he hadn't seen in five years. His gaze dropped to her cleavage, and she instinctively wrapped her bathrobe tighter about her as a wave of humiliation flushed over her. "I have brought the papers," he said, his voice devoid of any emotion as he extended the file toward her.

took a deep breath, willing herself to

she went through the divorce

going?" he asked, his voice cold but tinged with something else

his. "That's rather a personal

response, clearly taken aback. "I will drop by your mother's tomorrow and

had been stormy, her relationship with his mother was different. The older woman had always treated Emma with kindness, loving her as her

the alimony still stand," Alexander said, his voice firm but

my gift to your new life with your lover,

than the last, leaving behind the man she once loved and the life they could have

she was physically weakened by this lack of nourishment. Forcing herself to prepare a very light breakfast, she took it alone in the quiet of her room. The food tasted like soot in her mouth, but she forced herself to eat the rest, knowing

her nerves, she went off to the Brianna estate. Brianna, Alexander's mother, had been one of the most gentle souls in Emma's life, and by far, saying goodbye to her was going to be really hard. Brianna's face beamed with a warm smile and her eyes brightened as soon as

beside her on the couch. Sorrow stung in Emma's chest as she settled down beside her. Sweet-natured Brianna had been a crutch for her during those years of marriage, and now Emma would miss her dearly. After helping Brianna put ointment on her sore back, they sat down to a pot of tea. Brianna's gaze drifted to Emma's stomach, her expression tinged with sadness. Lately, she'd been prattling on more and more about grandbabies, and Emma could read it

are you and Alexander going to have babies?" Brianna inquired softly. "I just recently talked to Alex about that. I know