Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 17 Kevin phone rang as Alexander and Annie were about to step into the car at the airport .

One glance at Kevins face told Alexander that something was terribly wrong .

Kevin rushed over , shaking .

Sir … theres … Weve got a problem 71 % Alexander fixed him with a cold gaze , his patience already thinning Kevin had been know to panic without cause in the past , so Alexander wasnt moved .

Just say it .

I dont have time for drama .

Alexander said .

Its … its from Mrs.

Todd , sir .

At the mention of his mothers assistant , Alexanders expression suddenly changed .

Considering , Kevins panicking state , Alex was already aware that what ever he wanted to say wouldnt be good .

What happened Alexander demanded , his voice worried but cold .

Your mother slipped in the bathroom .

She was wounded .

Theyre on their way to the hospital as we speak … sir Damn it ! Alexander swore , taking the car key from Kevins hand .

He turned to Annie , his expression filled with worry and hurry .

Annie , go with Kevin for now .

I will call you later Annie took a step forward , her expression full of worry .

No , Ales .

I will like to go with you , she replied adamantly .

Annie … please .

This is my family matter .

Anything that affects you , affects me , she interrupted firmly , her voice trembling , I want to be there for you , Alex .

I love And I want to support you … Let me be there for you .

Please Alex hesitated , taken off guard by her speech and their intensity .

For a brief moment , he saw a side of her that he hadnt seen before .

Fine , he finally replied after thinking it over .

He returned his car keys to Kevin and said commandingly .

Drive us there and go as fast can .

you The ride to the hospital was a blur .

When they eventually arrived , Alexander and Annie headed straight to the VIP area with a dozen of the hospital top officials trailing after them .

Vivian rushed into Alexanders arms .

She was crying vigorously .

She held to him firmly , her face damp with tears .

Alex ..

I dont want to lose Mom .

She wept .

What if… what if something happens ? Alexander held her close , swallowing the fear rising in his own throat.

Shes strong , Viv .

The doctors are doing everything they can .

Shell pull through .

She has to He did not know if he was reassuring her or himself .

Annie approached Vivian and she wiped the girls tears off before gently pulling her into a warm embrace .

Im here for you .

sis .

Im here , she murmured , her hand patting on her back .

But then her phone vibrated in her pocket .

And the second her eyes fell on the caller ID , a chill run down her spine , and she felt frozen on the spot .

She glanced hastily around the hallway to make sure no one had noticed the sudden change in her demeanor .

Fortunately , everyone was paying attention to Alexander and the doctor whod just arrived to update them on his mothers condition .

She quietly muted the call and motioned for Vivian to have a seat next to her while placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder , but her mind was miles away .

That call if it means what I think it does she thought .

She needed an excuse to leave , e , one that wouldnt raise suspicion .

1/3 12:49 Tue , Dec 17 Chapter 17 And the second Alexander pulled the doctor away , Annie knew it was time .

She made her way out and to the hospital , far enough away from prying eyes and cameras .

She took a deep breath and dialed the number .

A low , ragged voice answered .

The operation failed .

The guys we hired … theyve been apprehended .

Annies face screwed up in anger , her hands fisting as she struggled to contain the scream ..

How could this happen ? Shed given it her all , moving with calculated precise .

She had spotted Emma at the Wings of Hope event the moment she stepped inside , despite her heavy makeup .

She had quickly slipped out to gather information regarding her and had immediately arranged for men to move Emmas things out of her apartment , just in case Alexander noticed her too .

She had even went as far as hiting one of the men to pose as Emmas supposed fiance and father of her child , all in the name of keeping Alexanders attention solely to herself .

And yet … Emma was still alive , breathing heavily .

Who the hell got in my way ? she spat , her mind racing .

She would give anything to Lake care of the aftermath to clean up her mess .

get that person .

But for now , she had to Destroy all the evidence .

Lay low until you hear from me again she instructed , her voice barely concealing the anger .

She hung up the call , and she quickly removed the SIM card from the phone , breaking it in half before grinding it under her heel .

She took a moment to readjust her expression , erasing all traces of the anger that was flowing through her veins .

She wasnt done yet .

If Emma thinks shes won , she has no idea who shes dealing with .

With a deep breath , Annie steeled herself and walked back into the hospital hallway ; her face calmed as she rejoined Alexander and his family .

They all held their breaths as Brianna was wheeled out of the operating room .

Vivians face streaked with tears .

She clutched Briannas hand as she walked beside her bed , sobbing like a child They all followed silently , hearts heavy with worry , and watched as she was settled into the VIP room .

That night , no one left the hospital .

They watched as the doctors worked tirelessly .

By dawn , thankfully , Brianna opened her eyes .

Vivian rushed to her mother , her eyes were filled with tears of relief .

Mom ! she choked out , voice trembling .

Alexander stood back , his expression unreadable .

Briannas gaze flickered at him , noticing he wasnt alone .

Her face hardened as she looked past him , seeing Annie by his side .

She let go of Vivians hand , her voice laced with anger .

What is she doing here ? Annie , tear stained and hesitant , took a step forward .

Mother , she whispered .

Briannas eyes turned really cold .

How could you bring her here , Alex she demanded , looking at her sou with a mix of disappointment and anger .

How could you insult me like this ? She is the woman I love … Mother Alexander replied , his tone unapologetic , a hint of arrogance in his voice .

Annie moved closer to Briannas bed .

Desperation was clear in her voice .

Please give me a chance , Mother , Alexander is the love of my life , she pleaded , tears rolling down her cheeks uncontrollably .

Briannas voice vibrated with hurt and anger .

You destroyed my sons marriage , and you think you can come here and play daughter in law to me !? Get her out ! The only woman I know , the only woman who Im in support of is none other than Emma .

Emma is your true and only wife .

With a cold expression , Alexander grabbed Annies hand , pulling her toward the door .

Annie broke into silent , defeated sobs .

her fists clenched .

Tue , Dec 1 / Chapter 18