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.

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

years.

when her phone rang again. She looked at the screen, and her heart skipped

her tone soft. "Hello,

talk?" His tone was curt; he

a little straight. "Of course.

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

mile passing. She pulled into the garage of the bar, looked

the air nibbled

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 nervous with each second that passed. When Jaden finally materialized, her breath hitched in her thro His suit was wrinkled, his tie undone, and his hair mússed, yet he looked impossibly handsome. He came to the table unsteadily, a faint smell of

into the chair across from her, fixing his bloodshot eyes

Tue, Dec

Chapter 90

laced with

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she already knew. "I know.

in his chair as a bitter laugh escaped his lips. "Sorry? That's all you have to say?" His gaze slipped away from Emma, anguished. "I thought we trusted each other, Emma. I sat there, like an idiot almost dying to meet her, and you

winced with each word he said, as if every word was a dagger struck deep into her heart. "I know I hurt you," sh whispered. "I had my

eyes narrowing. "Reasons? And you believed I'd

"That's not it I was wrong, I know. I should have told you the truth,

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