Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 104

Less than a dozen filled the room, just as she had guessed, their ughter like sharp needles pricking at her composure. Each guest held a glass of wine, cloaked in designer clothes and enveloped in an aura of self-importance. Her eyes scanned across the crowd.

These were Alexander's relatives, but none of them was in good terms with Emma the last time she checked, and so she wasn't interested in playing nice too.

She took a cautious step forward, hoping to slip into the background before anyone noticed her presence. But fate wasn't kind to her.

A high-pitched, all too familiar voice rang out across the room, piercing through the conversations like a blade.

"Emma? Emma, is that you?"

Emma froze, stomach dropping as she turned slowly. Her eyes landed upon a frame of Samantha Irvin, Alexander's distance cousin, perfectly coiffed in her expensive gown that shone bright under the chandelier light. Samantha smiled, widely, like a doll, her eyes glinting. "Well, well," Samantha drawled. Sweetness dripped from the edges of her tone like poison. "I can hardly believe it's really you!"

Emma bit her jaw, keeping her face neutrally set. Memories of Jane taunting her alongside Vivian years ago flashed in her mind.

She pasted a polite smile on her lips. "Hello, Samantha." Smooth tone, detached.

Samantha's eyes narrowed, her smile faltering. "You look different," she said, her gaze roaming over Emma with full blown jealousy. "I almost didn't recognize you."

"Thanks." Emma replied with softness but a firmness that left no room for arguments.

Before Samantha could say a thing, Emma turned on her heel, her heart bucking against her rib cage as she walked away.

wasn't here for Samantha or the

Brianna, and that's the only reason Emma hadn't walked out of the

hand,

she would give Brianna the gift, offer polite smiles, stay for thirty minutes at most, and

mind. It was her plan for protection against

listening, and the walls of this estate, the air inside, felt

went straight to the hallway, where soft, warm light

stiffly, her face a mask

clicking softly on the tile floor. Brianna's frame was so much frailer than before, her silver hair styled neatly, her face

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Chapter 101

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a smile. "Oh, Emma," she whispered, her voice fragile but filled with warmth,

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that threatened to blur her vision. "I wouldn't miss it," she said, her voice barely above

her eyes cold and measuring, but Emma refused to let

she stepped forward, gently taking Brianna's other arm. Together, she and Vivian guided

entered the decorated room, a soft hush fell over the family members gathered. The air was rich with the scent of roses and vanilla, and from the ceiling hung golden fairy lights like tiny stars. Brianna's presence drew the attention of everyone in the room. A wave of joy washed over the crowd, and as she took her seat, applause and cheers filled the air. Brianna's eyes glistened, her smile trembling as she took in

stinging. She wished she could share in this happiness fully, but a part

and fell into excited chatter, Emma retreated to