Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 20

When they finally arrived at Diana's grave, nestled within a serene, high-end cemetery adorned with glass memorials and vibrant flowers, Emma noticed another car parked nearby. Though she thought little of it at first, she followed Mrs. Walker straight down the winding path, focused solely on supporting her Yet, as they approached Diana's resting place, Emma's steps slowed. She saw a tall figure standing by the grave, shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs

The man turned upon hearing their footsteps, revealing a face marked with grief. Emma recognized him as Mr. Brandont Kings-the same man Mrs. Walker had introduced her to at a recent gathering. Brandon quickly brushed away his tears, straightening as Mrs. Walker approached. Without a word, Mrs. Walker reached out, and they shared a long, heartfelt embrace. The pain between them was palpable, an unspoken bord through their shared loss, and Emma felt her own tears well up.

"It's so nice of you to come here," Mrs. Walker murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "I truly appreciate it, Brandon."

"She meant everything to me, Elizabeth, Brandon whispered. "I miss her more than words can say."

Emma's heart ached at the raw grief in his voice, the weight of his memories pouring through. It dawned on her just how deeply Diana must have touched him. Perhaps they had been more than friends, but has intentionally kept it from the world. She wished Diana had found the strength to stay, to see how many people cherished her and were left broken by her absence.

They took turns speaking softly to Diana, each sharing a piece of their heart. Even Marina, usually guarded and distant, succumbed to her emotions, tears streaming down her face as she spoke of the laughter they'd once shared. Each story painted a picture of Diana that lingered long after the words faded, each memory tugging at the hole she'd left behind.

Diana, her voice gentle Diana, this is Emma. She's a wonderful person, someone I'm so grateful to have in my life. I think

they turned to leave. As they approached the cars, Brandon fell into step

finish our introduction the first

wasn't feeling well and had to leave in

she has someone like you around" He hesitated, his eyes lingering on her a moment longer. "I'll see you around, Emma"

his mother's welcome-home party-a celebration planned meticulously by Vivian. Annie's chest tightened as she observed the case in Alexander's movements, the slight excitement he couldn't hide. Her hands clenched into fists. He would be

wife 1 am if she won't give me a chance?" Angie seethed under her breath, bitterness staining every word. Brianna had always looked down on her, dinissing her without

Banna. She had fought too hard, sacrificed too much to stand beside Alexander as his wife, and she wasn't about to let anyone tear her away from what she'd claimed-not Brianna,

heart hardened, a plan brewing in her mind. She needed a plan to cement her place in Alexander's life a way to make 12:49 Tue,

Chapter 20

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in the Black family unshakable. Getting pregnant would be that plan. It would bind her to Alexander in a way no one could contest, not even his overbearing mother. A child was her security, her insurance, the undeniable proof that she