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.

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 struggled so diligently

years.

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

quickly, her

we talk?" His tone was curt;

sat up a little straight. "Of

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

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

stepping out. It was cold outside that night, the air nibbled at her skin, but she hardly felt it. Emma walked toward the door, each ep heavier than

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 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

her, fixing his bloodshot eyes on

Dec 17

Chapter 90

and laced with

V

52%

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

as a bitter laugh escaped his lips. "Sorry? That's all you have to say?" His gaze slipped away from

struck deep into her heart. "I know I hurt you," sh whispered. "I

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

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

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