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,

ease through the racks, her face intent as she talked over options with the man at her side. Every smile she cast, every gentle touch she passed

They weren't a couple anymore. Emma had moved on. She had a new husband, a new life, a new happiness. And yet, the

to see her step out of the dressing room in this shimmering, form-fitting gown. She struck a dramatic pose, her eyes searching his face for approval.

Annie asked, attempting a sultry voice

unreadable, 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

door 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

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 out of the dressing room and right to the

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Chapter 68

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hesitated, looking over at 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 severe. After a moment's hesitation, the

but laced with discomfort, "I am so sorry, but we will need to

found Annie standing 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 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

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. She took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing

go."

a deep,

Alexander said, his tone sharp and unexpected. "Let her