Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 8

She did everything she could do to shut it all out, anything that had to do with Mrs. Walker, to push the incident back, to continue living as if nothing happened. But a few days after, Marina approached her on her way home one evening. Her designer clothes and shoes glimmered under the streetlight, extending off the sleek expensive car parked beside her. She had an expressionless face, every inch of which oozed arrogance "I want you to keep away from my aunt. As far away as possible," Marina said with haughtiness in her voice filled with entitlement.

Emma's annoyance flared. "I have no plans to be in her life, to begin with," she shot back, all sharpness. For some reason not quite fathomable, every interaction with this so-called niece of Mrs. Walker made Emma detest her even more. Marina strutted around as if the world hunched over backward to humor her, and it made Emma ill.

"I know your plans," Marina hissed, her teeth clenched. "You're a snake, and I can see through your deceit." Emma's eyes narrowed. "I only saved her. I couldn't just stand there and watch a human being die when I could help." "And you expect me to believe that?" Marina scoffed, her lips curling in disdain. "Looking like my late cousin, of all people?" Emma huffily opened her mouth, about to make a defense, when Marina cut her off, her voice dripping with venom. "I know. you got that face done to get close to my aunt. How full of yourself! You must have done a thorough investigation into us and paid to have that surgery. But let me tell you something," she stepped closer, her words falling to a low threat, "I am not going to sit back and allow some worthless piece of trash to manipulate my family. I will do whatever it takes to protect my aunt from the likes of you."

Emma's mouth had fallen open in utter incredulity at the audacity, the utter cruelty of Marina's accusations. She was past words and any amount of apologies will not erase the disgust that now filled her for this woman.

"I don't know who made you this twisted," Emma said in a steady, cold voice, "but I have no intention of getting close to you or anyone in your family. And this face?" She pointed at herself. "I paid not a single penny to get it. I was born this way."

She whirled around, to quickly get herself out of the conversation, when Marina's voice cut through the chill. "Is it money you want?! How much do you want? I'll pay you off right here, right now.

Those words slapped Emma like an open-handed attack. She whirled around-her eyes ablaze, heart pounding in her chest Her ex-husband had almost said the same thing after he had chosen her so-called friend over her. And now this. Why did the rich always think money could solve everything?

said in a low, hot voice. "Have you ever done anything in your life

in the shock of it, yet Emma didn't stop. The anger swam inside her body, and she literally saw no need to hold anything back. "Before

with anger.. She gave Marina no chance to respond. Done. She was done with people like her who thought they could buy or control anyone who didn't fit into

AAA

to see you in her office." said one of Emma's coworkers, interrupting her as she carefully watered

and wiping her hands on her apron. Knocking first,

+5

wanted

hands were shaking while opening it and reading through the formal invitation inside. She felt so grateful and

her lips, and her heart swelled with pride. "Thank you so much," she said, hardly containing her

Hayes smiled warmly. "I know you will. You have proved yourself to

she asked, "Which hospital will be hosting the

event will be hosted by

joy that had bubbled in her only a moment before washed away, taking the warmth with it, and leaving her cold. She unconsciously let go of the letter in her hand and she