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,

face intent as she talked over options with the man at her side. Every smile she cast, every gentle touch she passed to the man beside her, created a new wave of annoyance to rush through Alexander. His jaw clamped down as he watched the

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 eyes sparkled, made him bite his

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

it?" Annie asked, attempting a

and Annie's stomach twisted. She could feel his gaze, and it wasn't on her clothes- it was directed at Emma. Bile rose in her throat, but she plastered a brilliant smile on her

behind her. As she yanked the dress off, her anger boiled over. She had picked this store carefully, making sure it would offer the privacy she wanted. So why the hell was mma here? What was she doing here, acting like she belonged to some place like this? Her lists clenched so tightly her

let that slide. She wasn't going to let Emma think she was on the same level as her, let alone a level above her. Whoever Emina thought she was screwing, she would always be nothing compared to Annie. With a determined look on her lace, she stormed

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Tue, Dec 17

Chapter 68

tone but laced with hatred. "I

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Annie and Alexander. But Annie's reputation was greater, and the consequences of denying her would be severe. After a moment's hesitation, the manager nodded and reluctantly approached

laced with discomfort, "I am so sorry, but we will need to close this store for

across the room, with a smug expression, and immediately pieced it together, Emma's fingers firmed on the fabric she was holding. She wasn't the type of girl who let an insult

was right. Annie would soon find out exactly who she was, and when that moment came, Emma wanted it to be on her terms. She took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Fine." she said quietly, placing the dress she'd been holding

go."

turned to leave, a deep, commanding

Alexander said, his tone sharp and unexpected.