Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 151

She had been confined in this hospital for six long weeks now, with the torture of physical recovery and, of course, the emotional turmoil Alexander brought in with his constant presence.

He had saved her from death, donated part of his liver to her, and paid for each single treatment she went through. Grateful though she was, all she could feel was an overwhelm of all he had done for her. she couldn't go on taking, taking his help and gift, not this way. "Babe," Jaden whispered urgently, snapping her out of her thoughts. "I will order for another ride as soon as possible."

She nodded while ignoring Alexander's gaze which was burning into her back. But before they could take another step, the sound of shouting and hurried footsteps from a distance froze them in place.

Emma turned her head sharply, and her heart sank.

Paparazzi!

A swarm of them flooded into the parking lot, cameras flashing and voices clamoring as they rushed toward her.

""Mrs. Black! Over here!"

"Are you really back to your health?!"

"Is it true that your ex-husband donated his liver for you?!

Panic coursed through her veins. The bright flashes blinded her, and their voices made it impossible to think. Jaden stepped protectively in front of her, shielding er from the onslaught, but it was clear they wouldn't make it back inside without being mobbed. "Damn it," Jaden muttered, looking around for an escape route.

smooth and commanding. "Get in

Emma hesitated.

give him the satisfaction of a win, but the paparazzi were closing in too fast. She

Alexander moved aside, opened the door, his face unreadable. Once she and Jaden were inside, Alexander hopped into the passenger

and Jaden settled uneasily into Alexander's luxurious limousine, Emma's gaze swept across the interior and land on Annie, seated comfortably and with an air of entitlement that churned her stomach. Annie's presence was a thorn in her side, sharp

realized she should have. Annie was Alexander's girlfriend after all.

so oiled and perfect it could melt the hearts of millions through the screen. But not Emma's. Emma was no fan; she had seen the cracks behind Annie's facade. She knew the truth

her tone dripping with mock sweetness. "How are you feeling now? I do hope you're recovering well." Emma's chest constricted as anger simmered, bubbling just below the

Emma wasn't about to indulge in this

her tone sharp enough to cut glass. "Let me guess. Me being alive must be such

faltered for a fraction of a second, but she quickly recovered, her eyes darting to Alexander

voice quivering just enough

leaned forward in her chair slightly. "Don't play dumb with me. We both

Annie."

she said softly, her voice trembling as she turned to him.

of his laptop. "I have

the limousine pulled up at the airport, its sleek body glistening in the sun. Outside, it was chaotic: paparazzi swarmed the entrance like bees to honey, cameras flashing incessantly as they jockeyed for the

her bag tightly as her nerves began to fray under the weight of all the attention. Beside her, Jaden placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

bodyguards appeared, steely-eyed, and took up position to provide a shield around the pair, escorting them group through hundreds of photographers and reporters. Questions were being thrown at them from every direction. Emma said nothing. She bit

kept her head low as they entered.the