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.

as her mind went into a cycle. Everything that seemed a stepping forward was restraint toward it all, since the approval for an apartment would simply see her slipping into Alexander's orbit-something she had

years.

way to reach home as fast as possible when her phone rang again. She looked at the screen, and her heart skipped a beat-the caller

answered quickly, her

His tone was curt; he had no time

sat up a little straight. "Of course.

She noted the address mentally and replied.

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

night, the air nibbled at

door, slowed, and 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

from her, fixing his bloodshot eyes on hers. "You could have told me, he said,

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Chapter 90

and laced with

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she already knew. "I know. I'm sorry, Jaden," she replied

leaning back 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 just.

said, as if every word was a dagger struck deep into her heart. "I know I

you believed I'd stand in

she hurried to assure, shaking her head. "That's not it I was wrong, I know. I should have told you the truth,

expression, he betrayed nothing. The drinks came pronto, and he stretched his hand to the first glass, which became