Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 168

Chapter 168

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She smiled at her daughter and swallowed the lump in her throat Emma couldn’t show her fear; she couldn’t let her daughter know just how scared she was to lose her. “You are so brave, sweetheart,” she whispered softly, brushing her hand across her daughter’s cheek. “Mommy’s so proud of you.”.

Emily’s smile widened slightly. “I’m okay, Mommy,” she murmured in her soft, tiny voice. “You don’t have to worry.”

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But Emma couldn’t let go of her worries. To think of anything happening to Emily, of her little girl slipping away because of something she couldn’t stop, was just too much to bear. She had done all she could: brought them back to the city, faced Alexander in spite of everything that had happened in the past, and begged for his help. But what if it wasn’t enough? What if her daughter’s fate had already been sealed?

Her eyes darted to Ethan, who was stacking blocks in one corner of the room, humming a little tune to himself. His joy was infectious, his energy a stark contrast to Emily’s stillness. Ethan loved his sister, and he always tried to get her to laugh and always wanted to share his toys or stories. The bond between them was unbreakable, and Emma knew that if something happened to Emily, Ethan’s heart would shatter.

“Mommy?” Ethan called, his head turned over his shoulder with a brilliant grin spreading castle!”

Mares

his face. “Look! I built a

nodding to encourage him. “It’s beautiful,

asleep now. Emily seemed so peaceful, but that gnawing in Emma’s chest wouldn’t let go of her: What if this peacefulness does not last? What if the doctors are wrong

her, she would never forgive herself. She would blame herself forever for not having acted sooner, for not finding

Emma had hope. She held on to what the

as she looked from Ethan to Emily. Ethan’s

the bundle of energy, tilted his head in curiosity. “What are we going to do, Mommy?” he asked while bouncing around the

mommy a surprise visit,” she said, her voice warm yet uncertain as she gauged their reactions.

only took Ethan a second to process her words,

to spin in circles. “Mr. Handsome! Mr. Handsome!” he

seeing her

with big, wide doe eyes. “Mommy, does this mean I finally get to be friends with Mr. Handsome now?!” he exclaims, hopeful, almost rembling

closer to Alexander was a step she hadn’t been fully prepared for but Alexander was their father, and as such, he deserved a place in the children’s lives, and she

Thu, Jan 30

Chapter 168

place now.

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head back in mock surrender and smiled, “Yeah, sweetheart, you

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