Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 58 When they arrived , Alexander practically jumped out of the cartriding into the hospital with a sense of urgency that made people step out of his way .

He ignored the front desk and continged directly to the elevator , pushing the button labeled VIP Floor .

Reaching the door to Emmas room , his heart thudding in his chest , he didnt even bother to knock but simply pushed it open .

Two pairs of eyes turned towards him as he entered : Emmas , wh her exhaustion and pain ; and Jadens , full of hostility that was guarded well .

Alexanders gaze brielly fluttered towards Emily , who slept serenely on a small hospital bed provided for her .

His chest seemed to tighten even further .

I just heard what happened .

he said , his voice filled with a mix worry and frustration as he walked toward Emma He ignored the piercing glare Jaden shot at him .

Jaden took one step forward , standing protectively in front of Emma .

Havent you and your girlfriend done enough damage ? he growled .

Alexanders icy gaze locked onto Jaden .

I am not here for you , boy , he asked gently , his usual confidence wavering under the weight of worry Leave , Alexander .

Emmas voice was so low , but the weight of her words hit like a hammer .

Her expression was unreadable , though her trembling hands betrayed her .

I dont want more trouble .

Alexanders face softened as his gaze shifted to Ethan , who lay motionless in his bed , wired up to wires and machinery .

It tugged at his heart .

How is he ? he asked softly , some of the customarily stressed machismo gone from his tone as his brow frowed in concern .

Emma turned back to him , her eyes pooling with unshed tears .

You should leave , she said , her voice cracking .

Were not your responsibility .

Well take care of ourselves .

Emma … Alexander started to say , but she sharply cut him off .

Dont ! This time , her voice was louder and it sent Emily moving restlessly in her sleep .

Immediately , Emma moderated her tone , looking at her daughter before continuing .

We dont need your help .

Just go .

Alexanders jaw went tight , anger rising , but he didnt raise his voice .

Ill get to the bottom of this daycare accident .

Whoevers responsible … I said dont ! Emma snapped , her voice rising again .

She whirled back , her face streaked with tears , We dont need you swooping in like some savior , Alexander .

Just leave us alone .

Jaden stepped closer , his voice as cold and firm as ice .

Shes right .

You have caused enough damage .

This may be your hospital , but we have rights as patients .

Its time for you to leave Alexanders gaze swung one last time to Ethan , his heart heavy .

He wanted to protest , wanted to stay , but the look on Emmas face told him it would only cause her more pain .

And that was the last thing he wanted .

He didnt say another word , only turned and was gone : the doorswung shut behind him .

Emma let out a trembling breath as she sagged down in the chair beside Ethans bed , taking his small , pale hand in her own .

Silent , hot tears streamed down her cheeks as she stared at his face , willing him to wake up , to smile to tell her everything was okay .

Jaden huddled down beside her , wrapping his arms around her .

Its going to be all right , he whispered , though his voice shook with doubt .

Emma didnt say a word .

Her world was crumbling around her feet , and she wasnt sure how to pick up the pieces .

The moment Alexander sat back in his car , he turned to Kevin , his voice firm and low .

Considering where the daycare was that accident couldnt have been coincidental .

I want you to investigate that accident .

Every detail , every angle .

Find out what really happened 1/2 21:15 Tue , Dec 17 Chapter 38 Yes , sir , Kevin replied , already pulling out his phone to make the necessary calls .

Alexander leaned back in his seat , his jaw clenched as he stared out of the window .

The blurred hospital building receded as Kevin drove away .

His mind raced to the pain etched on Emmas face and the stillness of Ethans small body in that hospital bed .

The memory made his chest tighten with an unfamiliar ache .

Emma had warned him to stay away , to let her handle things on her own , but this time Alexander couldnt obey .

For once , he wanted to be her knight in shining armor , even if she didnt want him to .

I also want all those videos scrubbed from the internet , he said harply , leaving zero room for an argument .

Every one of them .

And get our PR team on this immediately .

Damage contre needs to be flawless .

Yes , sir .

It will be handled , Kevin assured him .

AAAAA Annie threw her head back and laughed as she scrolled through the comments on her phone .

Today was going all her way , it seemed , and she couldnt resist popping open the cork on a bottle of champagne.The slap from Emma had been unexpected , true , but it had turned into a blessing in disguise .

The videos went viral , painting her as the innocent victim and Emma as the jealous , bitter ex wife .

She took a long sip of the champagne , savoring the moment , and glanced at the time .

Alexander was running late again .

It annoyed her .

She wanted him home , here with her , before the night got too late , but he always seemed distracted these days .

Irritation turned to anticipation as the sound of his car pulling into the garage reached her ears .

Laying aside her phone , she quickly segued into her role of practiced victim , lips quivering .

By the time his footsteps approached the door , her mascara- streaked face was perfectly arranged for maximum effect .

The moment Alexander entered , Annie rose to her feet ; her tear filled eyes met his .

She sniffled and held a handkerchief in her one hand .

Tm sure you must have seen what happened today , she started off , her voice still trembling .

Emma , she slapped me .

She pointed to her face , showing him the faint mark that was left .

Alexander didnt turn to look at her .

He brushed past her , heading directly for the dressing room .

Ive had a long day , he said shortly , loosening his tie Well talk about it tomorrow .

The dismissive tone caused Annies inner joy to falter for a heartbeat before she recovered .

She followed him , the rise of her voice around each word growing slightly more marked .

Alexander , its not just about me ! She humiliated me in public .

everybody saw it ! He let out a deep sigh , pinching the bridge of his nose as he hung his tie on the hangar .

I said well talk tomorrow , Annie .

Im not in the mood for this tonight .

The finality in his tone stung , but Annie forced herself to keep up the act .

Fine , she said softly , her voice breaking as if she were holding back more tears .

Goodnight .