Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 109

Chapter 109

Emma gripped the steering wheel tighter as she pulled win her Artveway she was on the verge of tears

The memories of the evening haunted her. How Alexander has defended Annie in de preserve of everyone.

Her heart burn with an unbearable pain.

As she turned off the engine, she noticed another car parked next to hers

Her heart skipped a beat is she realized it was Jaden's car

She took a shaky breath and stepped out of her car, her knees feeling weaker than they should

Jaden emerged from his car at the same time, his brow furrowed with worry. He had been calling her phone for hours barat

no reply.

"Emma," he whispered, his voice steady. "I called you. So many times. You didn't answer, I was worried?

Emma barely heard him.

Her heart burn with too much pain.

Without thinking, she closed the space between them in a second and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing ber forehead against his chest. The pain she'd been holding all evening broke and her body trembled as her tears began to roll down her cheeks. Jaden froze for a moment, shocked by what was going on.

He could feel her shaking against his body. His heart ached at the thought of her suffering alone.

She clutched at his shirt. Her voice was muffled, broken by sobs. "L... I can't... I can't do this anymore."

Jaden didn't need an explanation. Her pain spoke volumes. He pulled her closer into a hug, wrapping his arms gently around her until no space was left between them, his chin resting lightly on her head, his hand stroking her hair in slow, sooths motions.

The walls Emma had carefully built around her heart crumbled. Now, it was obvious that she had held on to the foolish hope that Alexander would choose her someday. That Alexander would fight for her love, see her worth. But tonight had shattered that hope beyond repair. The image of Alexander defending Annie with a fierceness he'd never shown for Emma, replayed in her mind like a cruel nightmare.

Her sobs was loud.

Her body was heaving with pain,

Jaden's jaw tightened, his chest squeezing painfully.

For months, he had been watching her struggle, hiding her torture behind the mask of strength, but at this very instant seeing her finally break down, he wanted so much to take the pain away from her and to shoulder it himself. "I'm so sorry Emma," he whispered, his voice low and even.

Her tears soaked his shirt, but he didn't care. They stood there in the dark. The world around them fading into silence. The warmth of his embrace, the steady thump of his heart was everything she needed right now.

For the first time in a long while, Emma allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, she deserved more. More than to

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for a man who only saw her as a second option. More than to hold onto love that only brought her pain. She longed to

rished to feel safe, to know that womeone was in her corner without conditions.

Her wbs quieted

Jaden tightened his hold on her, his fingers rubbing gently against her back, soothing, without demanding anything in return. His presence was

"I need a drink tonight, Emma whispered.

riped her tears away. Her eyes was full of pain.

the sight of her, Jaden's heart clutched

""Emma" he trailed off, his voice thick with concern.

He wanted to tell her that drowning her pain in alcohol wouldn't ease her suffering, but the pleading look in her eyes silenced him

"Please, Jaden," she whispered, her voice shaking. "I need this. Just for tonight. I need to forget."

He nodded reluctantly.

He couldn't deny her this, not with the pain written all over her face.

Without saying another word, he escorted her to his car, his hand resting on her back.

They took off into the night.

Jaden grasped the wheel tightly, the muscles in his jaw taut as he tried to steady his own feelings.

He glanced more than once at Emma, who stared blankly out the window. Her eyes were distant and vacant.

Fifteen minutes later, Jaden pulled in front of a small bar.

It was secluded, quiet and preferable considering the situation.

They stepped inside, the smell of beer greeted them.

The low hum of conversation and faint music filled the air.

balm to her hurt heart.

Emma walked straight to the bar counter. Her movements was robotic, as though her body was running on autopilot. Jaden followed, his worry deepening with every step.

He ordered drinks, his voice steady but his heart racing with unease.

The bartender set down two glasses, but Jaden didn't touch his.

He just watched as Emma downed her drink in one swift motion, her throat bobbing, eyes squeezed shut as if trying to swallow the bitterness of her reality along with the alcohol. She picked up his glass and gulped down the drink too.

She slammed the glass back on the table, forcing the air out of her nostrils. "Another," she muttered, her tone husky.

Jaden remained silent, his gaze searching her face for any sign of the Emma he knew.

The powerful Emma who would never let life get in her way. Tonight, though, only pain stared back at him, all pretenses

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Chapter 109

gone.

She swore softly under her breath, her fingers shaking as she reached for the next glass. The sing of for dded brand Ber throat, but it was nothing against the fire in her chest. How could he defend her? she thought, the bitterness rising in her mind as memories faced beter her you

A week ago. Alexander had been whispering apologies, his lips brushing her skin, his voice in full of werent seppe bat tonight, he had stood beside Annie, protecting her. Tears blurred her vision, but she forced them back with another gulp of liquor.

aden's worry grew unbearable as she downed drink after drink. Reaching out, his fingers grazed her hand

"Erima," he said softly, "I think that's enough."

She glared at him, her eyes glassy. "I'm not done yet," she snapped.

He sighed. "Please, Emma. Let me take you home."

Her jaw tightened, a mix of frustration and pain clouding her expression.

But as she looked into Jaden's eyes, the gentleness there was too much. Her shoulders slumped, the fight draining out of her

Jaden stood and helped her to her feet, his arm steadying her as they walked toward the exit

The night air hit her like a wave, but she barely registered it. He guided her to his car, opening the door and helping her the passenger seat.

He leaned in to buckle her seatbelt, his hands trembling slightly as he did so.

And just as his fingers brushed the strap, Emma's eyes fluttered open. Her gaze locked onto his, vulnerable and searching

And then, without warning, she leaned forward and crashed her lips against his.