Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 107 When they finally reached the bedroom , Emma hesitated .

With an awkward stiffness , she handed Brianna the carefully wrapped gift shed brought .

The paper crinkled softly .

Emmas fingers lingered for just a moment longer than they should have before she took a step back , ready to walk away from the ache that gnawed at her heart .

She turned toward the door , her body taut with a need to flee , to breathe , to get away from this house filled with so many shattered memories .

But before she could make that first step , Briannas frail hand shot out and wrapped itself around her wrist , her grip surprisingly strong .

Emma froze , her back straightening .

Slowly , she turned her head , her face expressionless , her eyes guarded .

She was afraid to let her emotions show , afraid they would betray just how deeply tonight had wounded her .

Briannas voice trembled , heavy with regret .

Emma … Im sorry The sincerity in those three words pierced through Emmas defenses like an arrow .

She let out a bitter awkward laugh .

You have nothing to apologize for , mother .

Briannas fingers tightened around her wrist , her eyes with unshed tears .

I know you still love my son .

And I promise you , I will do everything in my power to make him see what he has been too blind to realize .

For a microsecond , Emmas eyes flickered with pain .

Her voice was barely a whisper , as her sadness nestled deep in her bones .

Youre wrong , Mother .

My feelings for Alexander are long forgotten .

Long dead .

Were no better than strangers now … and it will remain that way .

She gently pulled her wrist free from Briannas grasp .

Her eyes met Briannas one final time , a soft yet firm resolve in her gaze .

Welcome home mother .

Ill be on my way now .

Without waiting for a response , Emma turned and walked out of the room , each step was with an immense effort .

Her heart pounded , beating out a hollow ache through her chest .

The walls seemed to close in on her , suffocating with memories and regrets she couldnt escape .

When she finally reached the cool night air outside , she inhaled deeply .

She hurried to her car , her fingers trembling as she reached for the door handle .

She needed to leave , to escape before the pain overwhelmed her completely .

But just as she had opened the door , the sound of hurried footsteps reached her ears .

She stopped , tense , and then turned to see Vivian coming towards her .

Vivians face was flushed , her eyes darting nervously as she slowed down , fidgeting under Emmas watchful gaze .

She finally stopped a few feet away , her posture stiff , discomfort etched into every line of her body .

Her voice was uncertain , wavering on the edge of vulnerability .

Emma… I know we dont exactly like each other .

And Im not thinking that that will change overnight .

But … thank you .

Thank you for what you did for my mother .

I know how hard this must have been for you .

She took a shaky breath and added , her tone softer , Id … like to see you come around more .

For her .

Goodnight .

away , her steps quick and decisive , as if she feared that lingering any Before Emma could form a response , Vivian turned longer would undo her courage .

The door clicked shut behind her , leaving Emma alone in the quiet darkness .

Emmas hands clenched around her car door , her eyes stinging as tears shed been holding back finally threatened to fall .

The evenings weight bore down on her but she tried to play it off .

1/3 11:08 Wed , Dec 18 Chapter 107 ΑΑΑΑΑ Alexanders foot pressed harder on the accelerator .

The car sliced through the darkness , headlights blazing in the dark Anger coursed through his veins .

The anger that burned in his chest felt like it might consume him entirely .

His fingers tightened on the steering wheel .

His knuckles whiten to the bone .

His heart raced wildly , erratically inside his chest with anger .

He had warned Annie ; he had made it very clear when he told her not to show up .

Yet she had defied him in the most insulting manner he could ever have envisioned .

She had brazenly crossed a line she knew was not to be crossed .

He felt the slap of betrayal , and being humiliated was an understatement .

The tires screeched against the tarred road , but Alexanders mind was elsewhere .

Emmas face flashed in his mind .

Though he had looked in her direction for just probably a second before he sprang into action , grabbing Annies wrist , he could not help but notice how Emma has held herself together all through the altercation .

And the pain in her eyes gutted him .

I did what I did for our childs sake , Annies voice broke through his thoughts , trembling and small .

She was twisting her fingers together nervously .

Alexanders jaw clenched so tightly it ached .

His eyes remained fixed on the road ahead , his voice low and dangerous .

You dare go against my warning , Annie ? Her sobs filled the space between them .

Im sorry , she choked out , her tears streaming down her face .

He turned his head slightly , his gaze slicing through her with cold , razor sharp intensity .

His eyes glinted with anger , the shadow of disgust visible in them .

No , youre not , he spat out , each word like a dagger .

You knew exactly what you were doing when you drove into that house .

Annies hands flew to her stomach protectively , her fingers trembling .

Hot tears fell , mixing with her eye liner .

Alexanders eyes followed her gesture .

A sigh of frustration escaped his lips .

It was a sight that should have softened something inside of him stirring a feeling of connection , of tenderness .

Yet , all that he felt was a hollow emptiness .

There seemed to be a distance between him and the baby .

This was his duty , he reminded himself with bitterness .

He had been raised to do his duty , to stand by his decisions , come what may The car swerved into his driveway , the tires squealing slightly as he braked hard .