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.

stepped forward, cluching at his hand gingerly. "Ethan," she whispered, the

smile. Too weak to speak, the light returning to his eyes was

shoulder for a moment. "He's a fighter, Emma. Just like his

in the balance, I was time for her to take control of the chaos that had been unleashed on her life. Annie and anyone else

doctors had gone, Emma joined 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 finished eating, Emma turned to Jaden, her expression

Aurora Honors," she said, her voice clipped and direct, catching

he repeated, clearly taken aback by the shift in

me to go with you," Emma reminded him. Her eyes glittered with a determination he hadn't seen before. "Oh," he stuttered, taken aback. "Yes, I did. But if you're not up to

Emma cut

at her, his eyebrows

in her gaze. "Yes. It's time

smile now played on her lips which sent

said, returning her smile with

grabbed Ethan's hand with a cold expression, promising to hurt back the wicked people behind hus attack without a single drop