Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 24

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As she stood outside, waiting for her Uber, a sinister thought began to form in her mind. If Brianna didn't want to die peacefully, perhaps Annie could assist in making it easier-just she had for her own father. Alexander might have slipped. out of her hands for now, but she would have him back. And by that time, Brianna wouldn't be a problem anymore.

Suddenly her phone rang, freezing her in place. She looked around cautiously, her heart racing with dread.

"Where is my money?" came a cold, ragged voice from the other end.

"I'm working on it." she snapped back, frustration boiling over. Just give me some more time!"

"I've given you more time than you deserve, Annie. Whatever happens to you now, know that you're the one to blame." "Please, just one more ch...

Before she could finish, a searing pain shot through her shoulder causing her to cry out. Blood began to gush from the wound as she instinctively bit her bottom lip, scanning the area for the unseen attacher. The surrounding was quiet and there was no one in the vicinity "That's my warning to you. Next time, it will go straight to your head," the voice said ominously before hanging up.

slowly, retrieving the bullet that had grazed her shoulder from the ground, her mind racing with anger and fear. As Annie approached the waiting Uber a new sense of resolve coursed through her veins. She was not going to let anyone take her down not Brianna, not anyone. She

injured shoulder. It has only been

asked. Worry etched on his face but Annie ignored him. Going to the hospital was not an option. The Doctors will know exactly where she got that injury from and she wasn't ready to start asking questions she didn't want to answer or getting Alexander an hint of what was going

pulled out a wrapped paper filled with drugs. She needed it most at a time like this in order to use it to numb down the pain in her arm and the anger that was about to consume her whole. She knew Alexander wouldn't be coming home

her to the hospita. After five grueling hours in labor, during which she found herself growling in voices she didn't even recognize, her twins arrived in the world a beautiful, strong baby boy and a delicate, frail baby girl who was swiftly placed in an incubator for extra care. She named them Ethan and Emily, vowing with every fiber of her being to protect and cherish them. As she held Ethan close, hot tears filled her eyes. She couldn't help but imagine how different things might have been if Alexander hadn't left her. The Black family would have celebrate the arrival of the twins with grandeur, news spreading like wildfire. People from far and

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Chapter 24

of pride. "You did great, my girl. I'm

smile breaking through her exhaustion. "I'm so lucky to have you

him back and forth. He'd been a steady presence throughout her pregnancy, offering support without asking for anything in return. Watching him now, she felt a wave of gratitude. Her heart was full. She might not have the life she once envisioned, but in this moment, she knew she

called him into his office. With a somber expression, the doctor spoke, I'm sorry to inform you, Mr. Black, but your mother has been diagnosed with

finish, Alexander shot to his feet, his face flushed with fury.

shook his head sympathetically. Tm so sorry, Mr.

can't even help