Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Over the following weeks , Annie did numerous pregnancy test , every negative results making her more agitated and frustrated .

She needed to seal her place in the Black family on time .

She needed a plan for fuck sake .

After months of meticulous planning and near daily attempts to conceive , Annies hopes continued to be shattered by every negative test result .

Each one gnawed away at her patience , yet she was not a woman who gave up easily .

If a child wouldnt secure her place , then marriage would .

The thought alone made her smirk , her expression shifting into a self assured arrogance as she admired herself in the mirror , imagining the title of Mrs , Black finally attached to her name .

Just then , her phone rang , piercing through her reverie .

The caller ID flashed a name that made the blood drain from her face .

Her fingers trembled as she answered , gripping the phone tightly while her pulse quickened .

Where is my money ? The voice on the other end was raspy and menacing , the kind of voice that sent a chill down her spine .

It was laced with impatience and an edge of cruel amusement .

She swallowed , her mouth suddenly dry .

Im ..

Im working on it she managed , her voice barely steady .

Youre running out of time .

The voice was as cold as ever , void of any compassion or leniency .

Please , she pleaded , desperation creeping in , give me more time .

I promise Ill get it to you- The voice cut her off with a tone sharp enough to make her wince .

Youre not safe , Annie .

I can reach you anytime , anywhere .

If I dont have my money by the due date , consider yourself dead .

Hello ? Hello ? She shouted into the phone , but the line had already gone dead .

She stood there , heart racing , clutching her phone as if it could somehow keep her safe .

She let out a string of curses under her breath .

She needed the money , and fast , but she knew she had to be cunning , careful one wrong move , and she could lose everything .

Annie had believed that her father would leave her everything after his passing butt in a twist that still enraged her , her father had left it all to charity .

Every cent , every property , all gified to orphans and children hed never even met .

Annie promised never to forgive the man who had stripped her of her inheritance and leaving her utterly stranded .

And now , without that lifeline , she had no other fallback but Alexanders wealth .

The realization fueled her determination , hardening her resolve .

His money was the only thing that could save her life and she was willing to do whatever it took to secure her place in his life .

Her father might have abandoned her but she was a strong woman and shed claw her way into Alexanders accounts if she had to .

A familiar , restless itch began to creep into her skin .

She craved relief a way to dull the spiraling panic and dread .

Without a second thought , she grabbed her bag , stormed out of the apartment , and drove to a distant neighborhood where no one would recognize her .

There , in the shadows , she pulled out the small stash she had hidden away , quickly losing herself in the comforting haze of drugs .

The numbing sensation washed over her consuming her , until everything faded away As Alexander released inside her , they both lay tangled in exhaustion , breaths heavy as the night settled around them .

Annie turned onto her side , her face clouded with a sadness she couldnt hide .

Alexander noticed immediately , a pang tightening his chest as he looked at her .

Whats wrong , Annie ? he asked softly , still catching his breath of concern She sighed deeply , her gaze fixed somewhere distant .

Tve always loved you , Alex ..

long before you even knew .

Youve been my everything , my world .

Her voice trembled as tears began to lip down her cheeks .

You have no idea what those tive years without you were like .

I … I almost didnt make it .

Shh ..

Alexander whispered , reaching to wipe her tears .

Youre here now .

Youre with me .

Am I ? Annies voice broke , her eyes filling with more tears .

I just your girlfriend , Alex .

It feels so temporary .

Im 1/2 12:49 Tue , Dec 17 G Chapter 21 terrified that one day , youll decide Im no longer enough , that youll leave .

She paused , swallowing hard .

I want a future with you .

A real one .

I want to be Mrs.

Black .

You know how much I care about you , Alexander murmured , trying to reassure her , his hand gently rubbing her back .

I do love you , Annie .

Then prove it .

Her voice was barely a whisper , but each word was laced with vulnerability .

Marry me , Alex .

A silence hung in the air as he looked at her , taken aback .

We cant, not yet , he finally said , voice gentle but firm.

Not without my mothers blessing .

With a choked sob , Annie stood , crossing to the wall , pressing her hand against it as if it could steady her emotions .

Alexander followed , wrapping his arms around her from behind , pulling her close , both of them bare naked and sweaty .

We could marry in secret , she whispered , voice soft .

Just between us , until the time is right .

I want something permanent .

Just the thought of being Mrs.

Black … She took a shaky breath .

It would mean everything to me .

Alexander studied her , the intensity of her plea pulling at his heart .

He knew his mothers disapproval ran deep , but seeing Annies pain undid him .

Is that what you really want ? he asked , the decision crystallizing in his mind as he spoke .

Annies eyes searched his , hesitant .

I … Im sorry , I shouldnt have brought it up .

Not when your mother ; I mean it .

Annie .

He held her face between his hands , his thumb brushing away the tear that had slipped down her cheek .

Il marry you .

Well keep it quiet , just between us , until the time is right Annies face lit up , relief flooding her expression as she wrapped her arms around his neck , pressing a fierce , grateful kiss to his lips .

I love you , Alex .

I love you too , Annie , he whispered , feeling the weight of his promise settle on his shoulders .

More than you know .

Annie expression changed coldly as she hugged Alexander .

At last she was winning B