Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 23 Marina was

lurking in the shadows. Marina eyes were set on Emma and Brandon as their friendship grew week after week. With each passing day, she was growing more aggressive. She couldn't get rid of that feeling in her heart that Emma has secrets. Something that might destroy her. Anxiety gnawed at Marina's insides like a hungry beast. She needed to uncover Emma's secret before it was too late.

Finally, the much awaited call came in the evening as she was getting herself ready to call it a day. Her heart beat raised and she held her breath in anticipation, she picked up the phone.

"Veronica Moore, I know who she really is a voice said at the other end, urgent. You were right. She's got skeletons in her cupboard."

A mischievous sinile danced on Marina's face as thrill poured in her body. "Send me all the files. I want to go through them myself." She replied. Her voice barely containing her eagerness. As she hung up. She murmured to herself. "Finally. It's time to reveal who Veronica Moore is to everyone."

With renewed energy. She dashed back to her office. Her mind racing with the implications of the revelation. She

envisioned how the truth would shatter Emma's carefully constructed ruse. The files arrived quickly, Marina tore them open. Her fingers trembling with anticipation. But as Marina sifted through the documents. Her heart sank. Disappointment flooding her senses. She had expected to find dirt on Emma. Perhaps evidence of a desperate woman who had gone through plastic surgeries to imitate her late cousin. Diana Walker. Instead. She learned that Veronica wasn't just a nobody. She was Mrs. Emma Black The ex wife of Mr. Alexander Black. An unfortunate woman who had fallen from grace just a few months prior.

Marina's mind raced. This wasn't the revelation she had anticipated. Marina could not let her aunt find out about this. It would complicate everything. Panic coursed through her as she realized she needed a new plan. Something cunning enough to convince her aunt to send Emma away without a second thought..

Fury bubbled within Marina. In a fit of rage, Marina tore the papers into shreds. Each rip echoing her frustration. She had waited for nothing. Wasting precious time and energy on a lead that had turned out to be a dead end.

Growling in anger. She stormed out of her office.

She was determined to regain her composure. She zoomed to a nearby bar. Seeking solace in the dimly lit atmosphere and the promise of a stiff drink. As she settled into a corner booth. She ordered her drink and took a deep breath. Attempting to calm the storm within her, She needed to think clearly to devise a plan that would ensure Emma's departure. She wouldn't stop until she succeeded.

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year after the divorce. After

ready to let anyone stop him now. The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken tension as Alexander strode toward his car. The engine roared to life and he zoomed away toward the courthouse where their wedding would take

gone ahead. Saying she wanted to prepare. While Alexander juggled meetings to avoid raising any

ensure his reflection projected confidence. Despite the uneasiness roiling within. The wedding wasn't just a formality. It was a statement. Alexander needed to prove to every single one of his family members that Annie was

choice.

a sharp breath to steady himself. Alexander stepped out of the car. Determinations fueling his steps

Dec

the courthouse where his future

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stride, he could feel the weight of the moment bearing

smile that momentarily distracted him from his doubts. She looked breathtaking in her wedding attire. Innocence radiating from her as she

called, her voice ringing with excitement.

smile despite the unease

further into the room, his phone buzzed insistently in

as he saw his younger sister's name flashing on the screen. Without a moment's hesitation. He answered. "Brother!

noise of the courthouse fading into the background. He spotted Annie waving enthusiastically. But all he could focus on was the thought of his mother lying there. Unconscious. He felt an overwhelming need to be by her side in case this will be the last time he will get to

is unconscious