Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

The next morning, Emma's buzzing phone woke her up. With blurry eyes, she reached for it, getting rid of the last bits of sleep. She clicked on the message; it was from the company she had contacted two days ago. "It's ready."

Emma took a deep breath as elation and sorrow mixed within her chest. It surprised her just how fast this whole process had gone, but she was so grateful for precisely that. The fake ID she had ordered was a crucial step in her plan to leave her old life behind. She had thoroughly researched the company, reading countless reviews to ensure their work was top-notch, and now, the final piece of her escape plan was ready.

"Alright, I will pick it up this afternoon," she replied, setting the phone down.

A single person more to bid farewell before abandoning all. She wore a modest black dress then left the house, briefly informing Carl, her personal driver that she would not need his service that morning. The last place she intended to visit before disappearing wasn't one she would be welcomed at, but it felt necessary. He deserved that last respect, at least.

Annie's father had passed away two months before and today was his funeral. That was the real reason Annie had come home - the catalyst that brought about the destruction of Emma's marriage. The relationship between Emma, Annie, and Annie's father has turned sour six years ago, and all because of Alexander. But no matter how salty things had become among them, Emma had always respected Annie's father a lot. Eight years ago he had saved her life, pulling her out of the path of an oncoming car and putting his own life at risk in the process. That act of selflessness had stayed with her and, today, she would pay her final respects to the man who once was her saviour.

As the cemetery appeared around the bend of the street, memories assaulted her mind. She had been so young, so naïve, and he had stepped in without hesitation, asking nothing in return. That kind of kindness was rare, and it was why she felt compelled to attend his funeral despite everything that had happened since. It was the least she could do before she vanished from the world she had known for so long.

Using a scarf to conceal her identity, Emma kept her distance from the rest of the mourners, staying far from the crowd.. Standing in her self-imposed exile, she could clearly see Alexander, and her heart plummeted as she saw Annie throw herself at him, tears drenching her face. It was almost more than she could take. And even with the finality of their divorce, it was hard to see the man she had once loved so much now holding another woman so tenderly, whispering words of comfort.

life anymore, and the view of them together only affirmed that it was time to leave. She

Emma turned to go, but a familiar voice stopped her

nice to see you

to face

almost surreal to think they had once been best friends. Now they were sworn enemies, all because Emma had discovered Annie's secret relationship

Annie

father, not you," Emma said, trying to keep her voice

disdain. "And you expect me to believe that? I know why you're really here." She glanced over at Alexander, still some

have him."

he's back where he belongs, with nothing standing in our way-not even my father. I didn't come back because he died; I came back because of what he said when he was still alive. He told me I could only marry Alex over his dead body, and I'll do just that. I'll give

and

gaze, and realization hit her like a ton of bricks. Annie was pregnant. Of course, that was the reason Alexander had come home so late that night, rumpled and distracted. He had cheated on her, betrayed her in the worst possible way. The bile rose up in her throat, and with it, the tears threatened, but she swallowed them back down, refusing to break down in front