Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter

55

That night, sleep cluded Emma as the words of Jalen replayed in her mind like an echo, reminding her of his pitiable request. She sincerely wanted to be able to help him, but doing to would only mean putting at risk the stability and safety she had fought to give her children. Her family would have to cine first, and heavy-hearted, she made the decision to push the request by Jaden to the back of her mind.

The following morning dawned peacefully. The sun shone brightly, and the beaming smiles of her twins warmed her up inside. Having seen Ethan off at daycare, Eimma took Emily to be appointment at Blackthorn Hospital. When she was sure that Emily was in the care of her medical teams, Emma made her way to Brianna's room. She found Brianna sitting by the window looking very fragile, serming lost in thought. As Emmeared her, she felt worried.

"Mother, are you alright?" she asked softly, taking Briana's frail hand in her own.

Brianna's eyes softened, but there was a hint of sadness in them. Where is Alexander? I have not seen you both together lately."

Emma's heart sank, knowing that Brianna was in precarious health and that the knowledge that she was separated from Alexander might be more than she could handle. She had never discussed the present status of her marriage with her to added concern. save Brianna from an

"Alexander has been busy with work," she said quietly. "But he will see you soon. I promise.

Brianna sighed loudly, her fragile fingers lying in Emma's. "Emu, I want grandchildren. I don't know how much time I have left

Emma felt her throat tighten, but she made a reassuring smile. Mother, don't say that. You're here, and I'm here with you. We have time."

Brianna's gaze

Emma. She silently wished she could be open with Brianna for once and tell her about her four-year-old grandchildren, but she knew she could. That was the last thing

find Alexander standing there, dressed flawlessly and as magnetic as ever. The tide of memories filled her brain, memories of the last time she had been in close proximity to him, how his presence had left her breathless. She steeled herself, trying to rein

a part of her old self seeming to swim to the surface and light up her

rate quickened as Alexander crossed the room, his eyes inscrutable as he approaches.

inches separating them, but it felt suffocating. She could intoxicatingly familiar, stirring emotions she had tried

"It's

a glance in his direction might betray

by fear, her voice low but urgent. "Sir, your attention is needed outside, and you too, ma'am," she said, looking from

the door opened,

uneasy suddenly. Why would both of them be

Chapter 55

to her feet, following Alexander from the

champagne bottle echoed in the air, and before she could make sense of it all, there was a surge of people towards pouring glasses. Emma blinked, utterly bewildered, her yes jumping from one unknown face to another, trying to make out what was going on. And then she saw it: a big banner unfolding before her eyes, letters in an overly dramatic script; Happy Birthday,

well. Annie was standing at the center of the crowd, grinning with that same, all-too-familiar smugness. She was the picture of a conqueror, her eyes gleaming as she strode

forgotten, a fact that filled her with a dull ache as her mind whisked her back in time to their first year together. She remembered the excitement with which she had planned his birthday, the surprise dinner she had arranged, the flowers, and the handmade card. She had waited all evening, only for him to turn up late, exhausted and indifferent, and to brush her off with a belittling "It's just another day." She had told herself then that he didn't care about birthdays. But now, as she watched him here, it was starkly obvious: it wasn't that he didn't

money bouquet. Emma's stomach twisted as Alexander's reacted. He was too thrilled, too comfortable. Annie snaked her arms around

voice dripping as sweet as syrup as she turned and gave a triumphant glance over Alexander's shoulder at Emma. Happy birthday to the best man in the world." And in the blink of an eye,

the bitterness, helpless fury. She'd convinced herself time and again that she was over Alexander, that he no longer had any power over her. And yet, here she was, watching him kiss another woman, her heart buckling under the weight of his betrayal. It felt like a cruel joke, a wound that was never allowed to heal. And the ultimate fright of it all, Alexander's arm went around Annie, drawing