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.

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, and her heart skipped a beat-the caller

quickly, her

talk?" His tone was curt; he had no time for

up a little

She noted the address mentally and replied. "Tll be there

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

coat, and took a deep breath before stepping out. It was cold outside that night, the air nibbled at her skin, but she

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 the table unsteadily, a faint smell

eyes on hers. "You

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Chapter 90

laced with

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

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

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

to face her then, his eyes narrowing. "Reasons? And you believed I'd stand in

I was wrong, I know. I should have told you the truth, but 1.

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