Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 68

The air felt heavier, colder. Her pulse quickened, her breaths shallow, Why are they here? she wondered, her stomach

twisting

Annie's eyes landed on Emma almost immediately, and her expression soured. She clutched Alexander's arm tightly, at possessive gesture that didn't go unnoticed. Annie's lips curled into a sneer as she looked Emma up and down, her distaste evident. Emma could almost hear her thoughts..

The staff, who a moment before had been so attentive to Emma now fluttered their attention to Annie as they welcomed. her again with effusive greetings. Annie reveled in the attention, her eyes flashing to Emma with smug satisfaction.

Alexander, however, uttered nothing. He swung past Emma in silence, making his way to the dressing area, but as he did, Emma's world veered. Memories from the evening before surged forward-the way he had caged her against the wall, the intensity of his gaze, the tension crackling between them. Her chest tightened, her breaths coming in short gasps. She couldn't escape the weight of it all, the way his presence filled every corner of the room.

"Emma," Jaden's voice pierced through her haze, grounding her. His eyes reflected concern. "Are you okay?"

Emma forced a nod, even while the bones of her knees felt weakened. This could not tear her apart. She had made herself out of the ashes of her past. She would not let Alexander and Annie see her crumble now.

Straightening her spine, Emma turned her attention back to the clothes, willing herself to focus. But the memories stayed with her, and the storm in her continued unabated.

Annie power walked into the store, as if she owned the world, her manicured fingers pointing in every direction, demanding attention from one and all. Loud and dramatic, she demanded to try on everything that caught her eye. The staff was working hard to maintain a professional demeanor, but it was plain as day that Annie was the sideshow and the main attraction, with little room for Emma.

Meanwhile, Alexander sat on the couch to the side, his sharp gaze locked on Emma,

talked over options with the man at her side. Every smile she cast, every gentle touch she passed to

jealous-none at all. Alexander told himself. They weren't a couple anymore. Emma had moved on. She had a new husband, a new life, a new happiness. And yet, the way she laughed with the new man, the way her

Alexander turned to see her step out of the dressing room in this shimmering, form-fitting gown. She struck a dramatic pose,

attempting a sultry

twisted. She could feel his gaze, and it wasn't on her clothes- it was

sure it would offer the privacy she wanted. So why the hell was mma here? What was she doing here, acting

her, let alone a level above her. Whoever Emina thought she was screwing, she would always be nothing compared to Annie. With a determined

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Chapter 68

in a low tone but laced with hatred.

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Emma and back at Annie She knew exactly who Emma was, just as she knew Annie and Alexander. But Annie's reputation was greater, and the consequences of denying her would be

manager started, overly polite but laced with discomfort, "I am so sorry, but we will need to close this store for a private

of girl who let an insult slide anymore, and the idea of walking away felt too much like allowing Annie to win. But just as she opened her mouth to respond, Jaden set a light hand on her shoulder. "Let

down now, but he was right. Annie would soon find out exactly who she was, and when that moment came, Emma wanted it to be on her terms.

go."

as she turned to leave, a deep, commanding voice

said, his tone sharp and