Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 9 Mrs.

Hayes face turned into a frown , concern etched on her brow .

But youve earned this , Veronica .

Why would you ….

Emma forced a small smile , though her heart felt heavy .

Im just a new employee , and going to such an event will just piss off so many of my coworkers who have been here for years .

Its better if one of them represents us at such an honorable event .

Mrs.

Hayes stared at her , incredulous , her face unreadable .

She had gone out of her way to submit Emmas name , fully believing she deserved this opportunity .

And now Emma was rejecting it .

Veronica , this isnt just an invitation .

Its recognition for all your hard work , Mrs.

Hayes pressed softer , her voice gentling in an attempt at understanding .

You deserve to be there .

But Emma couldnt .

She could barely breathe just thinking about it .

With trembling hands , Emma raised the letter and handed it back .

I am indeed very sorry for refusing such an honorable offer , she whispered .

And without waiting for an answer , Emma turned to leave the office ; the beating of her heart was almost wild .

She let out a shaky breath the second she stepped into the hallway , placing a hand to her chest as if to quiet the storm raging .

inside her .

To be in the same room as Alexander and to see him again was too much to bear .

She could already envision it , his piercing gaze finding her across the room , the cold detachment in his eyes .

He would regard her as if she were nothing , as if the life they had shared had been a momentary lapse .

The months apart had done nothing to mend the damage he left behind .

If anything , the wounds had deepened , festering in the silence of long , lonely nights .

Emma hadnt healed .

Shed learned to survive with the pain , to bury it deep , to pretend the hurt wasnt important anymore .

But now , the thought of Alexander in the same city … of being in the same room , even for a brief moment , was too much .

The memories , the heartbreak it was all too raw, too fresh .

How could she stand there , pretending everything was fine , when just the sight of him would tear her open all over again ? She had not slept since she heard the news .

Every time she closed her eyes , she could envision his face , the sound of his voice , and just how dismissively he had sent her away that night .

His betrayal still haunted her , and she knew with absolute certainty that with but a glimpse of him , all those emotions she struggled to bury would rush in again , threatening to drown her .

Emma wriggled on the bed , her eyes shut tight in a bid to stem the tears .

She had made her choice .

She couldnt face him , event , nothing was worth the not now , not ever .

And as much as Mrs.

Hayes seemed to believe she deserved to attend that risk of seeing Alexander again especially nowthat she was pregnant .

Emma had vowed never to let him know .

She has promised herself that she would do everything possible to keep him away from her babies .

She couldnt afford for him to take the children away from her or immerse them again into his world , with Annie playing mother to her kids .

The mere thought of that sent bile up her throat .

That night , Emma lay in bed , her heart racing as fear racked her thoughts of being found .

She clutched her stomach protectively , whispering silent promises to her unborn children .

Alexander could never know ; she had been careful for so long , building her life far from him .

The last thing she wanted now was for her carefully constructed world to crumble .

The next morning , she started her job as if nothing had happened the day before , putting on a mask of calm.She perhaps hoped Mrs.

Hayes would let the matter drop and find someone else for the event .

But as the hours passed , Emmas heart sank when Mrs.

Hayes called her into the office again , her tone gentle but insistent .

Veronica , I dont understand , Mrs.

Hayes said , concern lacing in her eyes .

Why would you pass up such a great opportunity ? It is so unlike you Emma swallowed , feeling cornered .

Her mind began to race as she tried to come up with an excuse .

Slowly , she opened her mouth in search of a lie that would work : Ive heard .

rumors about the CEO of Blackthorn Holdings .

They say he hates pregnant women .

I do not want to risk upsetting him and putting our company in danger .

12:47 Tue , Dec 17 ti G · Chapter 9 71 % Mrs.

Hayes raised an eyebrow , then laughed incredulously , throwing her head back .

Is that why you declined the invitation ? youve heard of Alexander Black ? Because of what ? At the mention of his name , Emmas heart skipped a beat , and she nodded her head , her eyes cast downward .

Hes , well , hes known to be difficult , she whispered .

Of course hes difficult .

From everything I have heard , the mans an absolute nightmare to deal with .

Mrs.

Hayes sat back in her chair , shaking her head .

But from what my superior told me , Alexander Black isnt even attending the event .

Hes too busy with his empire to bother with parties .

You have nothing to worry about , Veronica .

Go , enjoy yourself .

Emmas heart skipped a beat .

He wasnt going ? Relief washed over her , but only for a moment .

Even though Alexander would not be there , his people would be .

They could still recognize her if she was careless , which she couldnt afford .

Yet , standing in front of Mrs.

Hayes with no more excuses left , she found herself nodding in agreement .

Okay , she whispered , a word strange to her lips .

Mrs.

Hayes beamed with satisfaction , delighting in the moral decision made by her charge .

Thats the spirit .

Itll be good for you .

Youve earned this , Veronica .

Emma walked out of the office , and a thousand thoughts hit her mind once more .

The relief was gone in a matter of seconds .

It wasnt like Alexanders employees knew her that well ; she sought to reassure herself .

A little makeup , another hairstyle perhaps she could go unnoticed .

They would not know her .

She could be invisible , just like she had been for all these years .

She forced a smile as the idea took shape .

Maybe it wasnt such a bad idea after all .

Maybe this was her chance to prove she could live her life without fear of him .

But subconsciously , she knew one wrong move , one glance too long and her secret , so well kept for such a long time , could unravel right in front of her eyes .

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