Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter

54

Annie sat up in bed in the dead of night, feeling heavy hearted, or face dark as she looked across at Alexander, who was sleeping beside her. Hurt, humiliation, rage all swam together her mind, and every heartbeat was like a reminder, cruel and taunting of that night's betrayal. She balled her lists into herides as the recollection hit her full force. Alexander had made love to her, yes, but it wasn't really her he had made love to. Not Every touch, every whispered word, every passionate moment had been meant for Einma. The tume he had breathed all night hadn't been hers! Unable to bear the mix of emotions that surged higher inside her, she slipped out of bed and stepped quietly into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. In front of the mirror, she clutchell onto the sink tightly, her body shaking, trying hard to withhold her emotion. She could still hear his voice ringing in her head, the murmur of Emma's name, the memory was as sharp as glass. As much as it pained lier to admit it, he'd been different tonight, holding her with a passion that she had never felt from him before; a passion meant for his ex- wife, she thought with disgust.

Hot angry tears pricked her eyes, spilling over and rolling down her cheeks. She didn't waste time wiping them away. What difference would it make? Nothing could soothe the ache in her heart or the realization of how deeply he was still in love with Emma, no matter how much he tried to deny it. After everything Annie had done, every sacrifice she had made to keep Alexander's love, he still craved Enuna, still yearned for her, still couldn't let her go

She looked down at her feflection, the tears staining her face, then glancing down at her stomach. A new thought struck her; even if Alexander's sperm tonight didn't lead to pregnancy, this was her chance to really get pregnant, and she wouldn't dare miss it. This was her only assurance of keeping a place for herself in Alexander's life. This was her one chance at holding on to him. her last hope of saving what scraps were left of their relationship.

Annie took a shaky breath and straightened, her resolve hardening as she brushed away her tears. She needed to be strong. She couldn't afford to break, not now. The cost of losing him was one she couldn't dare risk. With a steely determination, she went back into the bedroom, sliding into bed beside Alexander

As soon as Emma pulled up in front of her apartment complex, she saw Jaden's car parked neatly along the curb. A tired sigh escaped her, readying herself for another unwanted confrontation. For days now, Jaden had been trying to contact her at every turn, calls, messages, but she had done all in her power to create distance between them. She needed to protect her peace, and by extension, her qhildren's

"Mom, Uncle Jaden's here!" Emily's high pitched excited shriek cut through her thought, watching as Jaden emerged from

his car

Emma's expression hardened slightly. "Emily, darling," she said, an edge of steel underlying her voice." I have to speak with Uncle Jaden for a minute or two. You and your brother go inside

as instructed. Muttering a quick hello to Jaden, they stepped across the threshold into the house, and Emma closed the door behind them, turning to him again. She could see

said low and even, though his eyes reflected

aware of her painful past didn't have

to stay away from me and my kids,

slightly, but he didn't back down. "I know what you said, and I didn't really want to cross the line "but, you haven't been picking

her tone edged with sarcasm

no, Emma, it's not like that. I just..."

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Tue, Dec

Chapter 54

tugged at Emma's heart, but she hardened her resolve She turned back, her words laced in finality. "This conversation is over,

to turn away, Jaden grasped her wrist, his fingers digging deep

barely above

before looking into his eyes. "There is nothing I can do for you, Jaden.

that, he said, his voice thick with emotion. Please, Emma. I have no one else I can ask, no one else who

if only a fraction. Reluctantly she asked, "What is it that you want from me,

summoning the courage to say, "I want you to be my date to the