Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 163

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Emma didn’t stop. She’d been silenced for far too long, bullied for too many years, but not today. “You want to talk about being chosen? Let me remind you of something, Annie. He may have divorced me, but he didn’t make the mistake of placing a ring on your finger. Because you don’t deserve it. You’re not me; you can never be me.”

That was the final straw. Whatever mask of control Annie had, slipped completely off. Her hands shook as she fisted them at her sides. The humiliation, the anger, the bitter taste of defeat surged inside her, blinding her to everything but her need for retaliation.

She lurched forward, grabbing Emma’s wrist with surprising strength. Her nails dug into Emma’s skin as her voice trembled with an in unrestrained fury. “Say that again!”

Anger flashed in Emma’s eyes, she jerked her hand angrily to get her wrist from Annie’s grip and the force sent Annie stumbling. “Get your filthy hands off me!” she snapped years of suppressed anger and pain in her voice

The unexpected push sent Annie crashing to the floor. Gasps erupted all over the hall as the guests turned to witness the

commotion.

Annie clutched at her stomach, eyes wide with pain and shock, as a high–pitched scream tore from her mouth. “Ahh! My stomach! Oh my God!”

pounding, as a crowd began to form around them,

full of anguish and accusation. Tears streamed down her face

not come. The weight of all the staring eyes, murmurs, and Annie’s scream pressed down on her like

his face dark with confusion and concern as he pushed through the crowd toward the two women. His eyes flickered between Annie on

his voice

turned to him, her eyes appealing for understanding, but before she could say a word, Annie cried again this time louder, “Alexander! She…

to hold its breath as Alexander’s gaze locked onto Emma’s. The weight of the moment was unbearable, and Emma could feel

Emma said, shaking but firm in her denial. Her glanced darted between the crowd and Alexander’s piecing glare. Despite the haired that burned in her for Annie, she held no malice for her innocent unborn child. The very idea that she could harm

doubt and condemnation, guests pointed their fingers in accusing whispers, others in shock, their mouths ajar. She could feel

as touch her, Annie struggled on to her feet, hands supporting her

Wed, Jan 29

Chapter 163

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voice trembling but sharp enough to hold the crowd off.

her. She couldn’t afford getting caught now. She needed the victim card on her side more now. She needed the world

gaze, her face twisted in a look of pure venom, streaked with tears. Alexander pushed through the throng of people his face dark and unreadable as he moved toward Annie.

arm away his grasp. She was angry, her face

keep her safe. But under her piercing glare, he relented and handed her the key. “Annie, you cannot drive on your own,” he muttered softly, yet urgently. “Let’s