Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 90

Emma's phone buzzed as she navigated the crowded streets on her way home. She answered quickly, her personal assistant's voice filling the car.

"Ma'am, I've found an apartment that meets your requirements the assistant said, her tone hesitant.

Emma's spirits lifted momentarily. A secure apartment close to the hospital was exactly what she needed. "That's Where is it?"

great

Her assistant hesitated a moment, then replied. "The apartments in a secured complex not far from the hospital, but. there's a complication."

Emma's stomach tightened. "What kind of complication?"

"The property owner is Alexander Black.

The name hit Emma like a freight train. Of all people, it had to be him. She clutched the wheel a bit firmer while her chest tugged the ache of frustration. Of all things in the world, the last she would like to do is depend on Alexander for just about anything-let alone a roof over her head.

"Are you

you positive there's no other option?" She strained her voice

I have inquired as much as possible, ma'am, her assistant said with much courtesy. "The empty apartments around the hospital happen to be Mr. Black's as well." Emma let a heavy sigh out, situations she could barely control weighing in "Thanks; that goes to consideration.

on

her.

into a cycle. Everything that seemed a stepping forward was restraint toward it all,

years.

as fast as possible when her phone rang again. She looked at the screen, and her heart skipped a

her tone soft.

we talk?" His tone was curt;

little

her the address of some quiet, inconspicuous bar. She noted the

pulse growing quicker with every mile passing. She pulled into the garage of the bar, looked around for any lurking

cold outside that night, the air nibbled at her

took a shaking breath. Her hands still shook a little as she braced herself against the cold metal handle. A friendly hostess greeted her and led her through to a somewhat secluded corner table. Dimmed lights cast long shades across the room; murmurs of conversations everywhere. Emma twirled her fingers around each other, getting increasingly

the chair across from her, fixing his bloodshot eyes on hers. "You could

Tue, Dec 17

Chapter 90

and laced

V

52%

to ask what he was referring to; she already knew. "I know. I'm sorry, Jaden," she replied softly, her voice

"Sorry? That's all you have to say?" His gaze slipped away from

each word he said, as if every word was a dagger struck deep into

face her then, his eyes narrowing. "Reasons? And you believed I'd stand in your way? That I wouldn't have

I know. I should have told you the truth, but 1. I couldn't. I was

from his expression, he betrayed nothing. The drinks came pronto,