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.

to Diana, her voice gentle Diana, this is Emma. She's a wonderful person, someone I'm so

it all settled heavily around them as they turned to leave. As they

really get a chance to finish our introduction the first time we met,"

I wasn't feeling well and had to leave

unreadable but kind. "I understand. bear you're staying with Elizabeth now, I'm glad she has someone like you around" He hesitated, his eyes lingering on her a moment longer. "I'll see you around, Emma" As she watched him walk away, a strange feeling settled in her chest but she couldn't pinpoint out what it was

as Alexander suited up, preparing to leave for 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 attending ALONE, a pointed decision that tore at her pride, as Brianna had made it clear

on her, dinissing her without a second thought, and Annie's anger flared at the memory of it. She cursed Brianna silently, wishing if only for a fleeting, dark moment-that her mother-in-law to be had

had positioned herself as an immovable wall in Annie's life, a wall built of disdain and rigid Judgment. But Annie was done with running from people like Banna. She had fought too hard, sacrificed too much to

brewing in her mind. She needed a plan to cement her place in Alexander's

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her to Alexander in a way no one could contest, not even his overbearing mother. A child was her security, her insurance, the undeniable