Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Over the following weeks, Annie did numerous pregnancy test, every negative results making her more agitated and frustrated. She needed to seal her place in the Black family on time. She needed a plan for fuck sake.

After months of meticulous planning and near-daily attempts to conceive, Annie's hopes continued to be shattered by every negative test result. Each one gnawed away at her patience, yet she was not a woman who gave up easily. If a child wouldn't secure her place, then marriage would. The thought alone made her smirk, her expression shifting into a self-assured arrogance as she admired herself in the mirror, imagining the title of "Mrs, Black" finally attached to her name. Just then, her phone rang, piercing through her reverie. The caller ID flashed a name that made the blood drain from her face. Her fingers trembled as she answered, gripping the phone tightly while her pulse quickened.

"Where is my money? The voice on the other end was raspy and menacing, the kind of voice that sent a chill down her spine. It was laced with impatience and an edge of cruel amusement.

She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. "I'm.. I'm working on it she managed, her voice barely steady.

"You're running out of time. The voice was as cold as ever, void of any compassion or leniency.

"Please," she pleaded, desperation creeping in, "give me more time. I promise I'll get it to you-

The voice cut her off with a tone sharp enough to make her wince. "You're not safe, Annie. I can reach you anytime, anywhere. If I don't have my money by the due date, consider yourself dead."

"Hello? Hello?" She shouted into the phone, but the line had already gone dead. She stood there, heart racing, clutching her phone as if it could somehow keep her safe. She let out a string of curses under her breath. She needed the money, and fast, but she knew she had to be cunning, careful-one wrong move, and she could lose everything.

Annie had believed that her father would leave her everything after his passing butt in a twist that still enraged her, her father had left it all to charity. Every cent, every property, all gified to orphans and children he'd never even met. Annie promised never to forgive the man who had stripped her of her inheritance and leaving her utterly stranded.

but Alexander's wealth. The realization fueled her determination, hardening her resolve. His money was the only thing that could save her life and she was willing to do

Without a second thought, she grabbed her bag, stormed out of the apartment, and drove to a distant neighborhood where no one would recognize her. There, in

exhaustion, breaths heavy as the night settled around them. Annie turned onto her side, her face clouded with a sadness she couldn't hide.

wrong, Annie?" he asked

of concern

trembled as tears began to lip down her cheeks. "You have no idea what those tive years without you were like. I... I

to wipe her tears. "You're here now. You're with

tears. "I just your girlfriend, Alex. It feels so temporary.

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Dec 17

Chapter 21

leave." She paused, swallowing hard. "I want a

much I care about you," Alexander murmured, trying to reassure her, his hand gently

a whisper, but

can't, not yet," he finally said, voice gentle but firm. "Not