Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 22 Emmas day at the office had been remarkably calm .

With most of her coworkers embracing her presence and treating her warmly .

To them she was simply Dianas cousin .

A story Mrs Walker had carefully nurtured to protect her .

Marina remained skeptical .

Often watching Emma with a sharp eye .

But the rest of the team seemed to accept her without question .

Which helped Emma settle into her work and feel a small semblance of normalcy .

At about eight months pregnant her stomach had grown large and round , unmistakable even in her loose fitting blouses .

She sometimes caught curious glances from colleagues .

But Mrs Walkers influence and care had smoothed over any awkward questions .

Mrs Walker had become more than just her employer .

She was a godmother to Emmas unborn children .

Accompanying her to every doctors appointment and ensuring she followed every instruction .

Every vitamin supplement .

It was a kind support Emma hadnt expected .

A gentleness that felt foreign after the heartbreak and isolation of the past months .

Since her ex husband had abruptly and coldly divorced her shed been forced to rely solely on herself .

Struggling alone in a world that had once been filled with dreams of family and hope of love .

But now with Mrs Walker at her side , something she had thought she could never have again began to stir again .

Hope .

As she looked around the office her hand unconsciously resting on her growing belly , Emma felt a warmth bloom in her chest .

For the first time in what felt like an eternity .

She wasnt walking alone in the dark , there seems to be light up ahead .

A path toward something new .

Something better .

And it filled her with a kind of gratitude she hadnt known was possible .

That afternoon she received a text message from an unknown number .

Could you give me an hour of your time thi evening .

Brandon Kings .

I got your number from Elizabeth .

At first Emma wanted to turn down the invitation .

But he had said he gotten her number from Mrs Walker .

And since he was one of Mrs Walkers people and Mrs Walker trusted him enough to give him her number .

It wouldnt be nice to turn down such an invitation .

She replied back , Fine .

But I wouldnt stay longer than an hour .

Cool by me .

6 pm .

Good That evening Emma found herself anxiously preparing for the unexpected meeting .

She wasnt entirely sure why Brand wanted to talk to her .

She watched with held breath as Brandon drove into the compound and picked her up in one of his expensive cars .

That evening in a luxurious bridal boutique in the neighboring country , Annie stepped out of the dressing room .

Her smile dazzling and her eyes gleaming with excitement .

The rich red fabric of the wedding gown clung to her figure , swirling around her feet with every graceful step .

It was one of the finest dresses in the shop She knew she looked stunning and couldnt help but feel a surge of pride as her gaze fell gnAlexander .

Who sat on a velvet couch .

His eyes weary yet focused on her .

She glided toward him .

Her heart fluttering with anticipation .

This was the dress .

The one that would make her unforgettable on their wedding day .

Her lips curved into a smile .

And she asked .

How do I look baby ? Alexander barely lifted his gaze .

His eyes clouded with exhaustion .

Hed been sitting in the boutique for hours .

Watching her try on gown after gown .

Each one more extravagant than the last His patience was stretched thin .

And he wanted nothing more than to escape the tedious shopping experience .

For a moment he forced himself to shake off his fatigue .

His eyes reluctantly taking in the sight of her in the scarlet gown .

He nodded .

A curt smile crossing his face .

Superb .

This one looks really good .

Lets choose this .

1/2 12:49 Tue , Dec 17 E 타 Chapter 22 But his words lacked warmth and Annie could sense it .

She pouted .

Hoping hed show more enthusiasm .

Are you sure ? Tstill have more gowns to try on .

As she spoke , a memory tugged at the edges of Alexanders mine Pulling him back to another wedding day .

Another bride .

Another life .

He remembered Emma .

Radiant in her simple white gown .

Her face lit with a pure smile that had once held .

his heart .

She had planned everything on her own .

Sparing him from the endless parade of choices and saving him from this exhausting ordeal .

Emma had been so different .

So thoughtful .

Or so hed thought .

A bitter shadow passed over his face as the memories darkened .

That same beautiful smile had masked betrayal .

That same bride had lied to him .

Deceived him .

And shattered everything they had once shared .

His chest tightened with the weight of resentment and his eyes turned cold at the ugly memories .

Emma was nothing but a mistake , he reminded himself .

A liar .

A woman who had dared to cheat on him while being married to him .

He cleared his throat , forcing himself to focus on the woman before him .

The red gown suits you perfectly , he said , his voice sharper than intended .

Annies hopeful expression faltered under his steely gaze .

But she quickly masked her disappointment .

Sensing the shift in his mood , she wanted to press him .

To convince him to stay longer .

To try on the other gowns and bask in his admiration .

But the look in his eyes warned her to back down .

Sighing she turned and headed back to the dressing room .

Clutching the fabric of the gown tightly in her hands .

A flicker of frustration hidden behind her smile .

In the quiet of the night .

When the world lay still and shadows danced beneath the faint glow of the moon .

A figure sat up on a bed .

The faint glow of a phone screen pierced the darkness .

They paused , listening to the silence as if confirming that everyone else was indeed fast asleep ..

With a steady hand they dialed a number .

Bringing the device to their ear .

The line clicked after a few rings .

A groggy voice on the other end murmuring a greeting .

I need information , the figure spoke in a low controlled tone .

Each word weighted with a sense of urgency .

Everything you can find on Emma Black .

I want every detail .

Every record .

Nothing is too small .

The voice on the other end was quiet for a moment .

Processing the demand .

Emma Black ? they repeated .

Yeah , the figure replied .

Okay And be discreet .

No one can know about this .

A pause , then the voice responded .

Understood .

Ill contact you once I have something The figure ended the call .

Dropping the phone to their side .

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