Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Emma stormed out of Alexander's office, her chest heaving with the storm of emotions swirling inside. Anger still simmered below the surface, but the focus had since shifted. The world wasn't waiting for her to breathe, still piling on challenges left and right, and she didn't have time to crumble. The scandal involving her and Annie might have simmered down online overnight, but Emma knew better. Nothing that went on the internet was ever actually gone. She'd have to weather echoes and whispers that would no doubt assail her for years

to come.

The tempest in her mind whirled as she walked down the corridors of Alexander's company. She knew she just could not let the weight of public opinion weigh her down. She had a family to protect, a son fighting for his life, and a personal battle that was yet to be won. She was only halfway down the hall when Jaden appeared, walking toward her with his characteristic air of calm, a paper bag in his hand. His presence was the one comfort to her chaotic day so far.

"Good morning," he greeted, smiling slightly into her eyes that were still churning with anger.

"Morning," Emma replied shortly, her voice betraying the tension in her. She gazed at the bag he was holding, interest sparkling briefly in her features. "What's that?"

"Breakfast," Jaden said opening it for her. "Since you didn't eat anything last night. I..."

A small, quick smile tugged at her lips. "Thanks," she said softly, taking the bag from him. The gesture was like a lifeline, a small reminder that not everyone in her life was out to tear her down.

Together, they walked to Ethan's hospital room. The atmosphere shifted the moment they stepped inside. A team of doctors was conducting their morning check-up, and Emma froze as her eyes fell on Ethan. He was awake. His small, fragile body lay still on the bed, but his eyes fluttered open, scanning the room weakly.

forward, cluching at his hand gingerly. "Ethan," she whispered, the thrill of joy

into a faint, tired smile. Too weak to

warm hand on her shoulder for a moment. "He's a fighter, Emma. Just like his

condition no longer hanging in the balance, I was time for her to take control of the chaos that had been unleashed on her life. Annie

Jaden and Emily for breakfast. The meal was quiet but comforting. The chatter and giggles of Emily brought life back into the room as Emma could feel the dark cloud that had hung over her begin to lift. As they

she said, her voice clipped and direct, catching him

halfway to his lips. "My offer?" he repeated, clearly taken aback

he hadn't seen before. "Oh," he stuttered, taken aback. "Yes, I did. But

Emma cut

her, his eyebrows raising in surprise. "You're

in her gaze. "Yes. It's time I stopped letting other

now played on her lips which sent a

returning her smile with

wicked people behind