Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter

26

Months had passed since Emma had welcomed her twins, Ethan and Emily, into the world. Every day brought new milestones for them, each moment filling her with a deep sense of gratitude and love. Ethan had already begun to sit up and even crawl, his bright eyes full

of curiosity and energy as he explored every inch of their little world.

Emily, however, was different delicate and frail, taking her time to grow and develop. While her progress was slower, Emma cherished every small step, savoring the gentle beauty of motherhood, grateful for both of her children just as they were.

Living with Mrs. Walker had been more than a blessing. The older woman had taken them in, providing comfort and stability that Emma never imagined she'd find again. The security Mrs. Walker offered allowed Emma to focus on her children and slowly rebuild her life. Once Ethan and Emily were old enough, she enrolled them in a nearby daycare, close enough to Mrs. Walker's house that she could check in on them whenever needed. With that settled, she was finally able to resume work fulltime, feeling a new sense of purpose and confidence as she took on her responsibilities.

intense

But as Emma focused on building a future for her family, Marina's hatred simmered just beneath the surface, growing more

glimpse she caught of Emma's quiet happiness only fueled her resentment.

to losing control, and she wasn't willing to let Emma stay, wasn't willing to watch her win, Time was running out, and Marina was determined to take drastic action, even

was in the country and had some time to spare, he often planned outings to take Emma's twins, Ethan and Emily, to visit the pack. Today was one of those days, and the children's excitement filled

cheering them on, her laughter mingling with theirs. Brandon watched them, a smile on his face, though a trace of sadness lingered in his eyes. "You know." he said softly, "Diana would have fallen in love with them." His gaze fell as he said her name, the grief surfacing despite his efforts to keep

that Diana, would have adored Ethan and Emily as if they were her own. "I believe she would have, too."

glancing at Emma. "She was the kindest soul I ever knew... besides you," he added, attempting a small smile. But his face soon fell again, the pain behind his words evident. Emma, I still can't bring myself to believe that she committed suicide. The Diana I knew wouldn't have done that." His voice wavered and he blinked back the tears gathering in his eyes. "We had plans to meet that day. She was supposed to be there, and then... her body was found the next morning. It doesn't make sense. Diana hated drugs, she'd never touch them, let alone end

his sorrow, his confusion over a truth that felt painfully wrong. "I'm so sorry, Brandon.

left like that, at least not without saying goodbye." He swallowed hard, his voice barely a whisper now. "Something doesn't add up, Emma. I feel it every day, like there something missing, something...

his shoulder gently, the light in her own eyes dimmed by the weight of his words. "I don't think you're crazy Brandon. Sometimes the truth lies hidden waiting for someone to find it." She looked at him, offering a soft, sad smile. "And if that someone is you, then Diana

through his grief. In that moment, he knew he wasn't alone in carrying the weight of

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