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

to talk to you and your husband. I want grandkids." These words by Brianna weighed upon Emma. She silently wished she could be open with Brianna for once

her brain, memories of the last time she had been in close proximity to him, how his presence had left her breathless. She steeled

swim to the surface and light up her entire face. "Come, sit with your wife," she invited him, nodding to the

Alexander crossed the room, his eyes inscrutable as he

musky scent of his cologne waft toward her.. several inches separating them, but it felt suffocating. She could intoxicatingly familiar, stirring emotions she had tried to

watched them, her eyes sparkling with quiet satisfaction. "It's good to see you two together, she murmured

on her. even a glance in his direction might betray the swirl of filling her with a strange mixture of guilt

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

door opened, and

suddenly. Why would both of them be called out

Chapter 55

yet rose wardlessly to her feet, following Alexander

of people towards pouring glasses. Emma blinked,

same, all-too-familiar smugness. She was the picture of a conqueror, her eyes gleaming as she strode toward them with a money bouquet, a lavish display wrapped in a halo of arrogance. The scene was surreal, cruelly ironic, each second twisting the knife deeper as

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 care. It was

Alexander's reacted. He was too thrilled, too comfortable. Annie snaked her arms around his

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, before Emma could even have time to bat an eyelash, Annie pulled him into a kiss, her lips pressing insistently against his while her eyes, cold and

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 her closer and deeper