Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 104

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.

Samantha or the rest of them,

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

her hand, her thumb tracing the delicate ribbon

smiles, stay for thirty minutes at most, and leave as

for protection against the

her heart wasn't listening, and the walls

to the hallway, where soft, warm light spilled

face a

Brianna's frame was so much frailer than before, her silver hair styled neatly, her face lined with years of sickness. But the instant

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Chapter 101

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trembled into a smile. "Oh, Emma," she whispered, her voice fragile but filled with warmth, "I'm

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blinking back the tears that threatened to blur her vision. "I wouldn't miss

eyes cold and measuring, but Emma refused

stepped forward, gently taking Brianna's other arm.

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

this happiness fully, but a part of her remained locked behind a

guests poured drinks and fell into excited chatter,

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