Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter

18

Emma had been staying in Mrs. Walker's house for days and was beginning to feel comforted but trapped at the same time. She knew she would be eternally grateful for everything Mrs. Wilker had done for her, offering a safe place to hide in the middle of the chaos her life had turned into. Emma knew she couldn't stay on though. She couldn't afford this risk of her identity getting revealed.

She had decided that once she was back to full health, that she would leave and she spent every second counting the hours, urging herself on to hurry up and heal so she could vanish before her secrets began to surface.

The police had arrived that first afternoon after she'd regained consciousness, their questions sharp and probing.

She lied, stone-faced, telling them she didn't have any idea who her attackers were or who might have sent them. It was a necessary lie, a way of protecting herself and her kids from Alexander's wrath. She knew he could buy the entire police force wigh just a snap of his fingers, bending them to his whim.

The last thing she wanted was to be exposed, to let her guard down and be within his reach again. This lie was her only defense, the one way of staying hidden from him... for now.

Emma froze as she heard raised voices downstairs, she had decided not not get involve in Mrs. Walker's life since she was merely a guest. Yet, her heart pounded with unsteadiness. She had a feeling that the argument was all about her and just as she tried to brush it off, hurried footsteps approached, and her door swung open without warning.

Marina was standing in the doorway, her eyes blazing with an intensity that sent a shiver coursing through Emma. She looked at her with so much disdain, as though she were some kind of unwanted intruder.

"I told you to stay away from my family," Marina spat, her words dripping with venom.

her feet, too stunned to

do this!" Mrs. Walker's voice echoed down the hall and got louder as she approached

room

to her aunt, hostility etched in her glare.

anger and hurt. "I help her because I want to,

as if she was watching her aunt fall for a sad illusion. "She saved me, Marina. Can't you see that it doesn't hurt to help

Emma, her face close enough to see every ounce of resentment in her eyes. "Your days in this house are numbered.

leave her alone!" Mrs. Walker's voice cracked, filled with fury and

"It is time to come to terms with the

her way past her aunt without so much aga second glance and left Mrs. Walker standing, quivering. shattered by the hurting words that she had hurled at her,

spoke. "Elizabeth." The name felt like lead in her mouth, but Mrs. Walker had insisted she address her by her first name. "I wanted to tell you. I'm going to leave soon. I never meant to stay here, imposing on you. You've already done so much for me, and I

a bale that brewed in her mind. A moment later, she spoke, her tone soft but resolute. "What if

did not bat an eyelid. "What if I were to offer you a

she knew her answer. The longer she stayed here, the closer it will be for her past to catch up witliber, exposing everything she'd fought to keep hidden. She set her cup down with a great sense of regret welling in her hear "I... I am afraid I cannot accept the offer, Elizabeth. I am

fell with disappointment but she didn't press Emma. Her face became sadder as the reality dawned on her. Maybe Marina was right, she thought, with a pang. Perhaps it really

had gotten for her in the short period she has lived with her and waved goodbye but Mrs. Walker