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.

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 struggled

years.

home as fast as possible when her phone rang again. She looked at the screen,

answered quickly, her tone soft.

we talk?" His tone was curt; he had no

sat up a little straight. "Of

the address of some quiet, inconspicuous bar. She noted the address mentally and replied.

She pulled into the garage of the

out. It was cold outside that night, the air nibbled at her skin, but she hardly felt

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

his bloodshot eyes on hers. "You

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Chapter 90

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

slipped away from Emma, anguished. "I thought we trusted each other, Emma. I sat there, like an idiot almost

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

his eyes narrowing. "Reasons? And you believed I'd stand in your way? That

shaking her head. "That's not it I was wrong, I know. I should have told you the truth, but 1. I couldn't.

eyes off hers and from his expression, he betrayed nothing. The drinks came pronto, and he stretched his hand to the first glass, which became intercepted by