Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 26 Months had passed since Emma had welcomed her twins , Ethan and Emily , into the world .

Every day brought new milestones for them , each moment filling her with a deep sense of gratitude and love .

Ethan had already begun to sit up and even crawl , his bright eyes full of curiosity and energy as he explored every inch of their little world .

Emily , however , was different delicate and frail , taking her time to grow and develop .

While her progress was slower , Emma cherished every small step , savoring the gentle beauty of motherhood , grateful for both of her children just as they were .

Living with Mrs.

Walker had been more than a blessing .

The older woman had taken them in , providing comfort and stability that Emma never imagined shed find again .

The security Mrs.

Walker offered allowed Emma to focus on her children and slowly rebuild her life .

Once Ethan and Emily were old enough , she enrolled them in a nearby daycare , close enough to Mrs.

Walkers house that she could check in on them whenever needed .

With that settled , she was finally able to resume work fulltime , feeling a new sense of purpose and confidence as she took on her responsibilities .

intense But as Emma focused on building a future for her family , Marinas hatred simmered just beneath the surface , growing more with each passing day .

The sight of Emma with her children , thriving in Mrs.

Walkers care , gnawed at her .

Every glimpse she caught of Emmas quiet happiness only fueled her resentment .

Marinas bitterness twisted into something dark and insistent , a need to push Emma out of their lives once and for all Marinas mind raced with ideas , each more ruthless than the last .

She knew she had to act soon .

Every day that passed felt like one step closer to losing control , and she wasnt willing to let Emma stay , wasnt willing to watch her win , Time was running out , and Marina was determined to take drastic action , even if it meant crossing lines that she hates crossing .

On the rare occasions when Brandon was in the country and had some time to spare , he often planned outings to take Emmas twins , Ethan and Emily, to visit the pack .

Today was one of those days , and the childrens excitement filled the air .

Ethan was crawling ahead , his small hands patting against the floor in determined little strides , while Emily followed closely , her giggles bright and full of wonder Emma joined in their excitement , clapping and cheering them on , her laughter mingling with theirs .

Brandon watched them , a smile on his face , though a trace of sadness lingered in his eyes .

You know .

he said softly , Diana would have fallen in love with them .

His gaze fell as he said her name , the grief surfacing despite his efforts to keep it hidden .

Emma nodded , her expression somber .

She knew that Diana , would have adored Ethan and Emily as if they were her own .

I believe she would have , too .

Emma replied her voice quiet Brandon sighed , glancing at Emma .

She was the kindest soul I ever knew … besides you , he added , attempting a small smile .

But his face soon fell again , the pain behind his words evident .

Emma , I still cant bring myself to believe that she committed suicide .

The Diana I knew wouldnt have done that .

His voice wavered and he blinked back the tears gathering in his eyes .

We had plans to meet that day .

She was supposed to be there , and then … her body was found the next morning .

It doesnt make sense .

Diana hated drugs , shed never touch them , let alone end her life with an overdose .

Emma moved closer to him , resting a comforting hand on his shoulder .

She could feel the depth of his sorrow , his confusion over a truth that felt painfully wrong .

Im so sorry , Brandon .

she murmured , her own heart aching for him .

Brandon took a shaky breath , forcing himself to hold back his emotions .

I know it sounds crazy , but the Diana I knew wouldnt have just left like that , at least not without saying goodbye .

He swallowed hard , his voice barely a whisper now .

Something doesnt add up , Emma .

I feel it every day , like there something missing , something … that no ones seeing .

Emma squeezed his shoulder gently , the light in her own eyes dimmed by the weight of his words .

I dont think youre crazy Brandon .

Sometimes the truth lies hidden waiting for someone to find it .

She looked at him , offering a soft , sad smile .

And if that someone is you , then Diana couldnt have a better person fighting to uncover it .

Brandon met her gaze , a glimmer of hope surfacing through his grief .

In that moment , he knew he wasnt alone in carrying the weight of Dianas memory , and that , maybe just maybe hed find the answers he needed someday .

AAA 1/2 12:50 Tue , Dec 17 ti Chapter 26 71 % Marina strode into Mrs.

Walkers building , her gaze icy and unyielding .

She spotted Ethan and Emily crawling toward her with innocent curiosity , but her face twisted with disdain .

Stepping around the twins as if they were obstacles in her path , she directed her scornful glare at their mother , Emma , her intentions crystal clear .

Marina was done with subtlety : Emmas time here was over , whether she liked it or not Without a word , Marina marched straight to her aunt pulling a folder from her bag and placing it firmly in Mrs.

Walkers hands .

The silence was heavy , and Mrs.

Walkers expression quickly shifted from confusion to shock as she flipped through the documents her face paling with each page I told you .

Marina hissed , her voice laced with disgust I warned you not to bring home a fraud .

I warned you to keep this imposter out of our lives , but you wouldnt listen ! Now look at what shes done to our company , this woman is a parasite ! Her voice rose with every word fury barely restrained as she fixed Emma with a look of utter hatred This bitch right here is nothing but an imposter !