Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 164 Chapter 164 Jaden .

She thought .

C 3 3 32 % 2 She frantically swept her gaze around the hall , taking in each face , every nook , but there was no Jaden .

Her heart clenched with unease .

Where could he have disappeared ? She fished out her phone from her purse and flicked on the screen .

She wanted to dial his number , but something caught her gaze before she could ; it was an unread message from Jaden Her stomach twisted as she opened it , her heart sinking with each word she read .

+5 The little time I was lucky enough to spend with you was the best time of my life .

I love you so much , Emma , but I know your love is not meant for me .

I have foolishly held on to that hope that someday you might feel the same , but after the look you and Alexander shared in the hall today , while you thought no one was watching , it brought me to one conclusion .

I need to let you go , to be with the man whom you are supposed to be with .

It has been an honor knowing you : Goodbye .

Emma sighed heavily as she finished rereading the message , and her fingers trembled as she reread the message ; her heart ached in ways she hadnt expected .

Yes , Jaden had always been there for her , his love unwavering , his kindliness unmatched , but he was right ; his love for her had always been unrequited , a love she could never fully return .

Tears blurred her vision , overwhelming her with guilt .

Jaden deserved a partner who could love him the way he deserved to be loved .

But she just couldnt be that person for him .

She had lied to herself for so long , covering her emotions for Alexander under layers of fear and regret .

Tonight , though , had shattered those walls .

The way Alexander had looked at her , the raw love and longing in his eyes that seemed to awaken something deep within her .

For years , she had convinced herself she was indifferent , that she was finally over him , but she knew now , shed been living a lie : Alexander was the only one she ever wanted .

with certainty , There was a heaviness in her chest as she locked her phone and looked up at Alexander , who was staring into her concern etched across it .

eyes with His eyebrows furrowed slightly , and his eyes scanned her face as though sensing something bothering her .

Whats wrong ? he asked softly , his voice steady , yet laced with worry .

Emma clasped her phone tightly in her fist .

Yes , she did plan to tell Alexander about it , but he didnt need to know that night .

Not when there was so much at stake .

They had to do everything possible so that Annies unborn baby would not suffer because of Annies stupidity .

She took a deep breath and looked him right in the eye .

Lets go , she said firmly .

They took Emmas car , its silence punctuated only by the hum of the engine as they sped through the empty streets .

They eventually ended up at Blackthorn Hospital , but Annie was not there .

A knot twisted in Alexanders stomach .

Perhaps she went to the other hospital , he said .

Emma nodded wordlessly and followed him out .

They drove to Annies usual hospital , where they received the same answer 16:07 Wed , Jan 29 OW Chapter 164 They continued their search , driving from one hospital to another as the night wore on .

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32 % ** The city streets were quiet , and with each stop , with every shaking of the head by each receptionist , Emmas anxiety deepened and Alexanders frustration mounted .

When the first rays of dawn appeared , they finally accepted the truth that Annie had run away .

Tired and disappointed , they had no other choice but to part ways .

But there was no rest waiting for either of them .

+5 By the time the sun was fully up , the world had erupted into chaos .

Accusations of every kind were burning up news outlets and social media , all against Emma .

Videos surfaced from the party that captured Annies harsh words , Emmas defiance , and the exact moment when Annie fell to the floor , clutching her stomach .

It was a very wild narration .

Shes selfish , cruel , one user wrote .

Annie was there for Emma after the bombing incident , and this is how she repays her ? By pushing her while shes pregnant ?! Even as Blackthorns legal and W2 HOLDINGS teams worked around the clock to draft a professional response , the damage was racing like a wildfire .

The court of public opinion had given its judgment , and Emma was the villain .

Alexander was fighting his own battle ; he had been calling Annie in repeat with no response .

It was now noon , and still , she was nowhere to be found , and the suspense was killing Alexander .

Kevin , he thundered into the phone , pacing around his office , have you found her yet ? Kevin burst in , breathless .

Were working on it , sir .

Weve located the GPS on your car .

She drove outside of city limits late last night .

We should have her location shortly .

Alexander clenched his jaw , staring out the floor to ceiling windows of his office .

His reflection stared back at him .

Its taking too long , he muttered .

I know , sir , but were close .

Ill call you the moment we have her Alexander leaned against his desk , his head in his hands .

The uncertainty was unbearable .

Whether their child was still alive or not , he needed to know .

The not knowing was gnawing at him , each second like an eternity .

And yet through it all , one thing remained crystal clear in his mind : no matter what happened , he would not let this break him or his relationship with Emma .

He thought of the way she had looked at him last night , her eyes brimming with a raw emotion as she declared she was done running .

He thought of the warmth of her hand in his , the way she had kissed him with a fire he hadnt felt in years .

Alexander had only just gotten Emma back , and he could not afford to lose her again , to the media frenzy , to guilt , and most definitely not to Annie again .

Picking up his phone , he dialed Ermas number .

Alexander ? she replied on the second ring , her voice soft , yet strained .

Are you okay ? he asked with a clear voice , although his heart was full of concern for her .

He had been going through the comments , and most of them were not in support of Emma .

I am not .

For the very first time in her life .

She wasnt beating about the bush concerning how she was feeling .

Theyre all calling me a monster .

I did not push her purposely .

16:07 Wed , Jan 29 O Chapter 164 Youre not a monster , he stated firmly .

Bear with me ; it will soon be over .

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