Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 73

That afternoon, Jaden had brought his cousin over to help ease the day's tension, and the house was filled with the chatter and laughter of Emma, Jaden, his cousin, and the twins. They spent hours trying to bond, playing games, and sharing little pieces of themselves while the air of excitement and nervousness hung over Emma like a cloud. She had enjoyed the moment, but the looming weight of the evening ahead kept her stomach in knots.

The time finally arrived, and Emma and Jaden prepared to leave the twins in the care of his cousin. The twins, who knew nothing about the significance of the night, waved goodbye with wide smiles. Emma, however, couldn't shake the apprehension brewing inside her. She had hired a makeup artist earlier, though she had never been a fan of heavy makeup. Tonight was different. Her reflection in the mirror showed smooth, glowing skin, subtle but striking makeup, and the most elegant ponytail she'd ever worn. The stylist had outdone herself. She looked polished, professional, and radiant at least on

the outside.

He opened the door, and she stepped into the car with her heart beating wildly in her chest. Her hands fidgeted in her lap as the car sped toward the veriue, her mind racing with thoughts. The world awaited with great curiosity the identity of W2 Holdings anonymous CEO, and Emma wondered whether she would meet their expectations or let them down.

flashing In the blink of an eye, Jaden pulled up to the dazzling venue of the Aurora Honors. It hit Emma right in her face-f cummeras, a screaming horde of fans, and the grandeur of the event. Emma reached for the small mirror in her purse, simply to retouch her lips and check her face one last time. Her heart was galloping while her brain played every single reaction that could be coming her way. "You've got this," she whispered to herself, though the words felt hollow.

Jaden walked around the car and opened her door, his hand extended to help her out. Taking a deep breath, Emma stepped into the glaring spotlight. The moment she appeared, the deatening cheers fell into a stunned silence, replaced by murmurs of disbelief. Emma plastered a bright smile on her face and looked through the crowd, seeking the semblance of approval from them. However, what caught her eye was that a number of people started staring past her; shock then transformed into disbelieving loathing. Following their gaze, she froze. There, on the red carpet, stood Alexander and Annie. They looked perfect together, like a power couple from a magazine cover. Annie's angelic smile was brighter than ever as she posed effortlessly beside Alexander. His stoic expression remained unchanged, but there was a protectiveness in his stance, as if shielding Annie from the world.

A thousand emotions raged through Emma's chest-tightening pain, anger, regret. She had expected to see them, had prepared herself for this, yet nothing could have prepared her for how much it would hurt. Annie's smile grew wider, almost smug, as their eyes briefly met.

from the crowd shouted,

for her palpable. Her stomach somersaulted, and her face felt the burning sensation of humiliation. She lowered her head, refusing to look into the eyes of

to flee, but before he was able to do anything. Jaden firmly but delicately took her wrist in his. "Come

of her paralysis. She forced a smile, though it felt like her face was cracking under the weight of it Jaden led her onto the red

felt their staring at her-their judgment, disgust. Faces that would earlier break into a warm smile, when she

were shown to their table and seated with the other very uncomfortable couple. The chitchat around the table was polite, yet strained. Emma felt like she was

Chapter 73

her dress, almost as if she wished it would

53%

Holdings? The hostility in the crowd had really

okay?" Jaden asked in a

her resolve unraveling. The cheers and applause that had once been a backdrop to her life as Alexander's wife had been replaced by jeers and hatred. As the function went on, Emma sat rigidly in her chair, her smile a flimsy mask. Within, her mind was racing-a maelstrom of fear and doubt. She just wanted to flee, to be free from this terrible dream into the comforting arms of her children. But somewhere within, she knew she couldn't run. The whole

Move on!" one said, while