Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

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Chapter 116

Annie ran out of the mansion/not even waiting for Alexander to stir from his sleep, her mind was consumed by fear and anger.

She muttered something about the doctor's appointment to the took and left.

She needed to keep up appearances.

She drove herself.

With the morning sun barely over the horizon, she grasped the steering wheel with tight knuckles, turning white against the leather, as she sped toward her destination.

The drive to the playhouse seemed to take forever. Her mind replayed the damning video she had watched the night before, shame and fury mixing into a storm within her. To see herself, masked but unmistakably her, riding that guy's cock was enough to make bile rise in her throat.

That scar made the whole thing undeniable.

She finally reached her destination and parked her car a few blocks away so as not to raise any suspicion. She pulled a face mask over her nose and adjusted her cap over her head to disguise herself as she stepped out of the car. Her eyes darted around hawk-like, scanning for any signs of recognition. She strode briskly down the street, her heart pounding with both dread and determination.

Her stomach started to twist the closer she got to the playhouse. The place that was once so alive now stood solitary, bolted shut with "For Lease" signs plastered on each window. It had been shut down-closed just two weeks after she had announced her pregnancy. Annie's feet seemed to freeze as she stared on in unbelievable anger, now growing within her. She cursed under her breath, her hands trembling with suppressed fury.

She hissed to herself, low and venomous. "He thinks he can play games with me? He doesn't know who he's dealing with.".

The flames of vengeance burned her mind. This man was out to blackmail her. The gravest mistake of his life, he had just made. They clearly didn't know who they were up against, but they would soon learn. Nobody crosses Annie and gets away scathe-free. Even her own father had faced her wrath five years ago.

Angrily, she stormed back to her car, her heels echoing in the empty street. Getting inside, she slammed the door shut and pulled out her phone. Her fingers were trembling with rage as she typed a message.

'Find out who's behind this email. I want it done ASAP!

She hit send, her chest heaving with the effort of calming herself down as she leaned back in her seat, staring coldly at the still-empty road.

She started her car, and instantly, the engine roared to life.

She would find out where he was hiding and make him wish he never crossed her path.

AAAAA

Alexander could hardly contain himself the following morning. All through the night, he had been plagued by vivid images of Emma and Jaden kissing, replaying like a tormenting film reel He had tossed and turned, his fists clenching the sheets until his knuckles whitened. Every time he closed his eyes, he could feel the touch of her lips against his.

The sting of it burned deeper than he could explain.

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Chapter 116

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Was this an act of revenge, some sort of retaliatory strike against him for what he did to her on his mother's welcome-back party? It couldn't have been just one big coincidence. The timeline was too close. Sitting in his car like some caged lion. His nails dug into his palms as he clenched his fists, desperate for control that continually eluded him.

His eyes darkened with anger and frsitactainon.

"You have an appointment with the CEO of L.A.D. this morning at the Ben House at 8 o'clock," his assistant said, breaking through his stormy thoughts.

Alexander grunted. He stared past Kevin, his mind so far away. The billion-dollar contract wasn't a concern on his mind, infact screw it.

His thoughts were with Emma, the girl who has occupied literally every corner in his grey cells, even though he wished she wouldn't.

"Sir?" Kevin ventured, his voice cautious, catching the intensity of Alexander's cold gaze.

Finally, Alexander snapped out of his thought. He whipped his head to the side, his eyes cold and razor-sharp, piercing through Kevin like a dagger. "Find out where Emma is. Now." Kevin blinked. "Sir?"

"I said, find out where Emma is right this moment." Alexander thundered, raw and commanding, leaving no room for hesitation.

Kevin had hesitated for a moment, not knowing how to continue. But the stormy look on Alexander's face was enough to make him shit his pants. "Right away, sir," he said.

Kevin veered to the road's slow lane and immediately made the call.

Moments later, Kevin responded. "Mrs. Emma is at the hospital, sir. She's there for Emily's treatment." Alexander boomed, "Take me there."

"But the meeting..."

"Cancel it," Alexander replied threateningly.

Kevin forced the protest down his throat and fired the engine. The drive to the hospital was tense, the air inside the car heavy with unspoken thoughts. Alexander sat rigid in the back seat, his fingers tapping restlessly on his thigh, as his heart raced against the anger, longing, and something he couldn't name.

They soon arrived, and Alexander stepped out before the car actually came to a stop. He made long, purposeful strides to the VIP section, his shoes echoing against the marble floors of the hospital.

He stood still for a moment outside the door of the room where Emily was under treatment. He adjusted his tie and took a deep breath, though it did nothing to calm the raging storm within him. He pushed the door open and stepped inside. There she was. Emma.

Emma was standing at the bedside of Emily, brushing a strand of hair from the little girl's face with her hand. Emily was fast asleep, her small figure curled into the blankets. Something inside Alexander stirred at the sight of Emma so maternal. But his

anger Emma looked

overshadowed everything else. He crossed the room in swift strides; his feet thundered on the wooden floor.

startled by the intrusion. Before she could react, Alexander was already before her.

up,

"Alexander?" she whispered, her voice laced with confusion and annoyance.

U

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Chapter 116

He didn't answer. Instead, his eyes nailed hers, ablaze with an inne he was think better of it, he leaned in, his lips inches from hers, dr slipping away.

But Emma moved just in time. Her palm connected with his cheel

12:25 Thu, Dec 26 G

Chapter 116

He didn't answer. Instead, his eyes nailed hers, ablaze with an he was think better of it, he leaned in, his lips inches from her slipping away.

But Emma moved just in time. Her palm connected with his c

12:25 Thu, Dec 26 GO

Chapter 116

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He didn't answer. Instead, his eyes nailed hers, ablaze with an inner fire. His hand reached out to frame her face, and before he was think better of it, he leaned in, his lips inches from hers, driven by desperate need to reclaim what he felt was slipping away. But Emma moved just in time. Her palm connected with his cheek in a resounding slap that echoed through the room.