Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 96 952 % Emmas heart raced as she clutched the hastily written note in her hand .

The moment she heard that Adam Hersel had come out of his coma and was asking to talk to her , she didnt need any more time to think .

The days of unanswered questions , sleepless nights , and endless speculation had wor her thin , and finally , here was a chance for answers for justice ! With keys in her hand , Emma shot out of the apartment , deaf to the calls of her frail mother and the inquiring gazes of her children .

She was at a loss for words , her mind already racing with what Adam was about to reveal .

She flew over city streets , her knuckles white as her fingers gripped the wheel tightly .

Her breathing was shallow ; anticipation pulled tight across her chest .

The hospital came into view , and she barely registered the act of parking as threw her car into park and stepped out .

Emmas legs moved purposefully , her steps quick and sure , until she reached the door of the hospital .

Then her pace faltered .

Alexander and Annie were walking toward the same door .

she The sight of them together sent a sharp pang through her chest .

She tried to shake it off , pushing the memory of Alexanders kiss the day before into the recesses of her mind .

This was not the time for emotional distractions .

There were bigger things at stake .

She quickened her pace in hopes of passing them unacknowledged .

Her head was held high , her determination unwavering , but a voice sliced through the air and stopped her in her tracks .

Emma .

Annie called , her tone sweet but laced with venom .

Emma turned to her , her expression neutral , though her pulse quickened .

Annie being there wasnt only a bother it was an Dimen .

Annie picked up her pace , leaving Alexander trailing behind her , her face a mask of controlled urgency , Annies mind was racing as she approached Emma .

She couldnt believe her bad luck .

That morning had already been at nightmare Alexanders phone call confirming Adams awakening had been like a death knell .

She had spent the entire drive to the hospital in a silent , suffocating panic , her heart thudding painfully in her chest .

Every second had felt like an eternity .

and now , as if the universe were mocking her , here was Emma .

And few feet of distance away Annie stood the woman who could unravel everything she had carefully worked out .

Annies tummy knotted .

She had to get her brain into fast forward .

She couldnt allow Emma anywhere near Adam .

Emma , what brings you here so early ? Annies voice was even , but her smile strained , her hand instinctively going to rest on her flat stomach , the act of the concerned , expectant mother , She turned slowly , her expression composed , even as a storm raged inside .

I could ask you the same thing .

Emma returned coolly , her sharp gaze locking onto Annies .

She didnt have time for whatever game Annie was playing .

The sea of hospital workers and visitors milling in the hallway served as a stern reminder that she had to keep her cool , even as her patience was worn razor thin .

She could feel the anger simering in her , threatening to spill over .

What shed like to do was strike out at Annie to rip this mask of sugary sweetness right off her face , and now .

But Emma knew better than to do such .

Annies farce would fall of its own accord in due course , and the truth would lay her bare .

The words of Adam Hersel would be the genesis of Annies undoing .

Emma almost tasted the justice waiting around the corner .

She swallowed her bitterness and used a neutral tone .

How may I help you ? Emma asked , cold , her face inscrutable .

Annie tilted her head slightly ; the smile on her face was about as real as the concern in her voice .

How are you doing , Emma ? How are the kids ? Especially little Ethan ? all sugar in her voice , but the smug undertone wasnt lost on Emma .

1/2 III 52 Chapter 96 Before she could respond .

Alexander shouldered his way between them , his rich cologne freshening the air .

It was a sharp .

commanding scent , as befitted the man himself .

The merest echo of last evenings encounter stirred in Emmas memory .

unwanted and unwelcome .

Her heart leapt a beat ; for one still moment , her breath caught .

Fast , she shook her head , resolutely focusing on the scene unfolding around her .

Theyre doing just fine , Emma replied curtly , her voice clipped .

She took a step forward , her body language signaling her desire to end the conversation , If youll excuse me- But Annie wasnt done .

I can only imagine how terrifying that must have been for you that day , Annie said , loud enough to be heard by the onlookers within earshot.

Her hand was dramatically placed over her stomach in a maternally protective manner .

I am going to be a mother soon .

I dont know what Id do if anything like that ever happened to my child Emma stopped dead in her tracks , her teeth clenching .

Her fists balled by her sides as she suppressed all desire to wheel around and hit Annie there and then .

She did not have the time for this sham today .

I dont have time for this , Emma said flatly , leaving no room for further discussion .

She walked away briskly , focusing on Adams room .

She refused to let Annies words get under her skin , but the tightness in her chest betrayed her growing frustration .

But Annie wasnt letting go that easily .

Fear coursed through Annies veins , her heart pounding while she watched the receding figure of Emma .

A blind panic clawed at her , its icy grip suffocating .

She couldnt afford for Emma to speak with Adam couldnt let her get the truth out .

If Emma reached him , it was all over .

Emma ! Annie called , her voice trembling as she scurried after her heels clicking on the polished floor of the hospital , loud in the quiet hallway .

Emma didnt stop , She didnt turn .

She wasnt about to waste another second on Annie and her desperate antics .

She did hear the footsteps behind her , though , and how Annie was closing in .

Emma , wait ! Annies voice now broke with real terror .

Emma slowed , never stopping , and turned briefly to the back , her eyes narrowing as desperation was etched across Annies features .

It was a peculiarly satisfying sight , yet Emmas face betrayed no hint of emotion .