Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 115 Annie slid down to the cold bathroom floor , knees hitting the tile with a soft thud .

The phone was trembling in her hand , the screen glowing weakly like an ice cold reminder of the horror shed just seen .

Her fingers clutched it so hard that her .

knuckles turned white .

+5 Silent tears streamed over her face ; every falling drop left its track , as if with the purpose of testifying to her fear .

She felt so stifled ; the weight began to press upon her with crushing force .

She whispered some words of comfort , her voice no louder than a whisper .

I cant let this ruin me .

I wont let this ruin me .

As many times as she repeated the words , they sounded so hollow and helpless against the fear writhing hard in her stomach .

She stared down at the phone clutched in her hands , the blackmail message staring up at her tauntingly .

Her mind searched for a way out of the problem , but everything was messed up .

She bit her bottom lip hard , the metallic taste of blood welling in her mouth .

This was her mess , and she had to clean it up , but how ? With trembling fingers , she scrolled down her contacts until she reached a phone number : the number of the owner of the playhouse , the man in whom she had so stupidly placed her trust .

She dialed his phone number .

She could feel her pulse pounding in her ears as she waited for the call to connect .

But , as shed feared , the call didnt go through ; instead , a robotic voice told her the number was no longer in service .

Panic surged through her veins , threatening to consume her .

The realization hit her like a tidal wave , she was on her own .

The man had disappeared .

She dragged herself to her feet and out of the bathroom , returning into the bedroom .

Soft light from the lamp beside the bed outlined Alexanders sleeping form , oblivious of the turmoil that was brewing beside him .

Annie slid into bed as quietly as possible , her heart thudding against her ribs .

Lying on her back , staring at the ceiling , her mind churning with thoughts of how to handle the situation .

Morning was a long time coming , and every ticking second cut deeper into her predicament like a knife .

But sleep eluded her .

No matter how tightly she closed her eyes , her mind refused to quiet down .

The video replayed in her head over and over again .

She clutched onto the blanket , her fingernails digging into it .

Fear wrapped itself round her very soul .

AAAAA Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains , and Emma walked into the living room , her heart still racing from the whirlwind of yesterday .

She had never in her wildest imagination fathomed that her kiss with Jaden would create such a stir , but the media had gone overboard .

Everywhere she turned online , there it was : the kiss that had everybody talking .

And for the first time in a long while , there was an unfamiliar satisfaction bubbling inside of Emma .

She really didnt care about what anybody thought , but she did wonder if Alexander had seen it .

He would have , by now at least .

The thought of his reaction put a smirk on her lips .

She almost wished she could have been there to see it , that would have made her day ten times better .

Her thoughts were interrupted as Mrs.

Walker stepped into the room .

Emmas heart skipped a beat at the sight of her mother .

She hadnt anticipated facing her so soon after the media frenzy .

She gestured for Emma to sit .

They sat across from each other , Mrs.

Walkers warm , loving gaze locking onto Emmas .

She reached out , taking Emmas hand in hers , the gesture filled with a tenderness only a mother could offer .

saw the news last night , Mrs.

Walker began softly , her voice tinged with an emotion Emma couldnt quite place .

Im so happy for you .

Emma forced a smile , her lips tugging awkwardly at the corners .

Thanks , Mother .

1/2 11:34 Wed , Dec 25 G · Chapter 115 80 % +5 Mrs.

Walkers grip on her hand tightened , her expression shifting to something more serious .

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she continued , I mean it , Emma .

Im so happy for you and Jaden .

It means the world to me , in my lifetime , seeing you cherished by a man .

Youve been through so much , and to see someone treat you the way you deserve … Her voice started choking , and she stopped , dabbing the tear running down her cheek .

Emmas heart ached at her mothers words , but she wasnt prepared for what came next .

But , sweetheart , Mrs.

Walker said in a low , careful tone , is Jaden the one who makes your heart jump ? The question came at Emma like an oncoming train .

Her body froze while her mind replayed the words spoken by her mother .

She didnt have an answer for that question , at least not one she was ready to admit .

Of course , she liked Jaden , he was kind and dependable , and hed been nothing but good to her and her kids since the day theyd met .

She respected him ; she knew their relationship had some real potential .

But love ? That word scared her .

It was a game she had sworn off playing , a fire she had danced too close to before , only to be burned beyond recognition .

The scars were still raw and could still be seen , and she wasnt so certain shed ever heal from them .

Her throat dried , and with a hard blink to keep the threatening tears at bay , she made it through without breaking down .

She rose abruptly and turned her back , her voice breaking as she headed toward the door .

Im happy with Jaden , she said , forcing the words out .

Thats all that matters , mother .

Without daring to look back , she flung the door open and stepped into the hall , her heartbeat loud and thick , her mind a chaotic storm .

As she stepped into the hallway , a single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek .

She wiped it away quickly , determined not to dwell on her mothers question .

She had made her choice hadnt she ? But deep down , Emma knew the truth .