Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 73 That afternoon , Jaden had brought his cousin over to help ease the days tension , and the house was filled with the chatter and laughter of Emma , Jaden , his cousin , and the twins .

They spent hours trying to bond , playing games , and sharing little pieces of themselves while the air of excitement and nervousness hung over Emma like a cloud .

She had enjoyed the moment , but the looming weight of the evening ahead kept her stomach in knots .

The time finally arrived , and Emma and Jaden prepared to leave the twins in the care of his cousin .

The twins , who knew nothing about the significance of the night , waved goodbye with wide smiles .

Emma , however , couldnt shake the apprehension brewing inside her .

She had hired a makeup artist earlier , though she had never been a fan of heavy makeup .

Tonight was different .

Her reflection in the mirror showed smooth , glowing skin , subtle but striking makeup , and the most elegant ponytail shed ever worn .

The stylist had outdone herself .

She looked polished , professional , and radiant at least on the outside .

He opened the door , and she stepped into the car with her heart beating wildly in her chest .

Her hands fidgeted in her lap as the car sped toward the veriue , her mind racing with thoughts .

The world awaited with great curiosity the identity of W2 Holdings anonymous CEO , and Emma wondered whether she would meet their expectations or let them down .

flashing In the blink of an eye , Jaden pulled up to the dazzling venue of the Aurora Honors .

It hit Emma right in her face f cummeras , a screaming horde of fans , and the grandeur of the event .

Emma reached for the small mirror in her purse , simply to retouch her lips and check her face one last time .

Her heart was galloping while her brain played every single reaction that could be coming her way .

Youve got this , she whispered to herself , though the words felt hollow .

Jaden walked around the car and opened her door , his hand extended to help her out .

Taking a deep breath , Emma stepped into the glaring spotlight .

The moment she appeared , the deatening cheers fell into a stunned silence , replaced by murmurs of disbelief .

Emma plastered a bright smile on her face and looked through the crowd , seeking the semblance of approval from them .

However , what caught her eye was that a number of people started staring past her ; shock then transformed into disbelieving loathing .

Following their gaze , she froze .

There , on the red carpet , stood Alexander and Annie .

They looked perfect together , like a power couple from a magazine cover .

Annies angelic smile was brighter than ever as she posed effortlessly beside Alexander .

His stoic expression remained unchanged , but there was a protectiveness in his stance , as if shielding Annie from the world .

A thousand emotions raged through Emmas chest tightening pain , anger , regret .

She had expected to see them , had prepared herself for this , yet nothing could have prepared her for how much it would hurt .

Annies smile grew wider , almost smug , as their eyes briefly met .

Move on , loser ! a voice from the crowd shouted , cutting through Emmas thoughts like a knife .

It began with scattered jeers that grew louder and louder until people started booing her , the distaste for her palpable .

Her stomach somersaulted , and her face felt the burning sensation of humiliation .

She lowered her head , refusing to look into the eyes of the crowd anymore .

Their hatred raged like a storm , unstoppable and overwhelming .

Emmas instinct yelled at her to turn around , to flee , but before he was able to do anything .

Jaden firmly but delicately took her wrist in his .

Come on , he said , calm yet urgent .

Lets go .

Stile for the camera , His words startled her out of her paralysis .

She forced a smile , though it felt like her face was cracking under the weight of it Jaden led her onto the red carpet ; his hold steady as they walked past the glaring cameras and whispering crowd .

Indoors , things were not any good .

No sooner was she spotted than a wave of whispering resounded across the hall .

Emma felt their staring at her their judgment , disgust .

Faces that would earlier break into a warm smile , when she was Alexanders wife , now looked aside with icy expression .

Emma and Jaden were shown to their table and seated with the other very uncomfortable couple .

The chitchat around the table was polite , yet strained .

Emma felt like she was suffocating growing in discomfort by the second it seemed .

She subtly Tue , Dec Chapter 73 tugged at her dress , almost as if she wished it would swallow her up and shed disappear .

53 % The more she tried , the deeper in doubt she was drowned ? Was this really worthwhile being discovered as the CEO of W2 Holdings ? The hostility in the crowd had really made her doubts begin .

Now , standing up and showing who she was on that stage seemed impossible .

Are you okay ? Jaden asked in a soft tone , filled with concern .

Emma gave him a tight nod , though her mind screamed otherwise .

Her confidence was crumbling , her resolve unraveling .

The cheers and applause that had once been a backdrop to her life as Alexanders wife had been replaced by jeers and hatred .

As the function went on , Emma sat rigidly in her chair , her smile a flimsy mask .

Within , her mind was racing a maelstrom of fear and doubt .

She just wanted to flee , to be free from this terrible dream into the comforting arms of her children .

But somewhere within , she knew she couldnt run .

The whole world was watching her .

She slowly powered up her phone , and Her haters were everywhere on the Internets , cursing her out .

Emma scrolled through comments on her phone , her heart grew heavier with each passing moment .

Let Annie breathe , already ! Move on ! one said , while another cruelly remarked , No one even wants you here anymore .

The hatred wasnt veiled ; it was direct , unrelenting , and personal .

Just die already .

Her hands were shaking as she continued to read on , every word cutting deeper than the last .

It wasnt a few comments ; it was a landslide of disdain .

Alexanders supporters and Annies followers had actively made it their mission to force her out of the storyline , and Blackthorns strict warning to her haters one week ago seemed to have changed nothing .

It had fallen upon deaf ears , lost amidst a sea of insults and mocking catcalls .

Emmas vision blurred , threatening to spill over with tears , but she blinked them away and forced herself to sit wanting to give them the satisfaction of breaking her , even if they already had .

up .

not Jaden , sitting next to her , noticed the trembling of her hand and the defeated look on her face .

Without a word , he reached .

out and gently took her phone from her grasp , locking the screen and placing it out of her reach .

Dont , he said softly low and calm enough that the couple sharing their table with them didnt hear .

Lets just enjoy tonight .

Dont give in to them .

SEND GIFT