Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 115

Annie slid down to the cold bathroom floor, knees hitting the tile with a soft thud. The phone was trembling in her hand, the screen glowing weakly like an ice-cold reminder of the horror she'd just seen. Her fingers clutched it so hard that her. knuckles turned white. +5

Silent tears streamed over her face; every falling drop left its track, as if with the purpose of testifying to her fear. She felt so stifled; the weight began to press upon her with crushing force.

She whispered some words of comfort, her voice no louder than a whisper. "I can't let this ruin me. I won't let this ruin me." As many times as she repeated the words, they sounded so hollow and helpless against the fear writhing hard in her stomach.

She stared down at the phone clutched in her hands, the blackmail message staring up at her tauntingly. Her mind searched for a way out of the problem, but everything was messed up. She bit her bottom lip hard, the metallic taste of blood welling in her mouth. This was her mess, and she had to clean it up, but how?

With trembling fingers, she scrolled down her contacts until she reached a phone number: the number of the owner of the playhouse, the man in whom she had so stupidly placed her trust. She dialed his phone number. She could feel her pulse pounding in her ears as she waited for the call to connect.

But, as she'd feared, the call didn't go through; instead, a robotic voice told her the number was no longer in service. Panic surged through her veins, threatening to consume her. The realization hit her like a tidal wave, she was on her own. The man had disappeared. She dragged herself to her feet and out of the bathroom, returning into the bedroom. Soft light from the lamp beside the bed outlined Alexander's sleeping form, oblivious of the turmoil that was brewing beside him.

Annie slid into bed as quietly as possible, her heart thudding against her ribs. Lying on her back, staring at the ceiling, her mind churning with thoughts of how to handle the situation. Morning was a long time coming, and every ticking second cut deeper into her predicament like a knife.

But sleep eluded her. No matter how tightly she closed her eyes, her mind refused to quiet down. The video replayed in her head over and over again.

She clutched onto the blanket, her fingernails digging into it. Fear wrapped itself round her very soul. AAAAA

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, and Emma walked into the living room, her heart still racing from the whirlwind of yesterday. She had never in her wildest imagination fathomed that her kiss with Jaden would create such a stir, but the media had gone overboard. Everywhere she turned online, there it was: the kiss that had everybody talking.

And for the first time in a long while, there was an unfamiliar satisfaction bubbling inside of Emma. She really didn't care about what anybody thought, but she did wonder if Alexander had seen it. He would have, by now at least. The thought of his reaction put a smirk on her lips. She almost wished she could have been there to see it, that would have made her day ten times better.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Mrs. Walker stepped into the room. Emma's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her mother. She hadn't anticipated facing her so soon after the media frenzy. She gestured for Emma to sit.

They sat across from each other, Mrs. Walker's warm, loving gaze locking onto Emma's. She reached out, taking Emma's hand in hers, the gesture filled with a tenderness only a mother could offer.

saw the news last night," Mrs. Walker began softly, her voice tinged with an emotion Emma couldn't quite place. "I'm so happy for you."

Emma forced a smile, her lips tugging awkwardly at the corners. Thanks, Mother."

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11:34 Wed, Dec 25 G.

Chapter 115

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Mrs. Walker's grip on her hand tightened, her expression shifting to something more serious. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she continued, "I mean it, Emma. I'm so happy for you and Jaden. It means the world to me, in my lifetime, seeing you cherished by a man. You've been through so much, and to see someone treat you the way you deserve..." Her voice started choking, and she stopped, dabbing the tear running down her cheek. Emma's heart ached at her mother's words, but she wasn't prepared for what came next.

"But, sweetheart," Mrs. Walker said in a low, careful tone, "is Jaden the one who makes your heart jump?" The question came at Emma like an oncoming train. Her body froze while her mind replayed the words spoken by her mother. She didn't have an answer for that question, at least not one she was ready to admit. Of course, she liked Jaden, he was kind and dependable, and he'd been nothing but good to her and her kids since the day they'd met. She respected him; she knew their relationship had some real potential. But love? That word scared her. It was a game she had sworn off playing, a fire she had danced too close to before, only to be burned beyond recognition. The scars were still raw and could still be seen, and she wasn't so certain she'd ever heal from them.

Her throat dried, and with a hard blink to keep the threatening tears at bay, she made it through without breaking down. She rose abruptly and turned her back, her voice breaking as she headed toward the door.

"I'm happy with Jaden," she said, forcing the words out. "That's all that matters, mother."

Without daring to look back, she flung the door open and stepped into the hall, her heartbeat loud and thick, her mind a chaotic storm.

As she stepped into the hallway, a single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly, determined not to dwell on her mother's question. She had made her choice-hadn't she? But deep down, Emma knew the truth.