Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 16

Chapter 16

Emma's eyelids flickered open. Her eyes were still fuzzy, though she could dimly see a shape above her, someone talking to her. All the words were indistinguishable, falling on her ears as just a jumbled murmur, as if they were coming from miles. away. Not long after, her

eyelids began to get heavy, and she slipped back into darkness.

When she awoke once more, her vision had cleared, and the pounding in her head had dulled enough for her to make out her surroundings. She was lying on a soft bed in the center of a strange, uncomfortably quiet room. Her head darted around as confusion swept her, trying to remember how she got there, Just as she was straining her brain to piece her memories together, the door creaked open and a voice full of relief broke the silence.

"You're awake? Thank lieaven.

Emma turned toward the sound of the voice, her eyes widenin at the sight of Mrs. Walker standing in the doorway. She struggled to sit up, trying to ignore the ache in her body as she worked to make sense of all that was going on. "Don't strain yourself, dear. You've got to rest" Mrs. Walker walked toward the bed with a low voice and her bright eyes shining with genuine concern.

Emma's mind was a jumble, and her confusion grew. "What.. what am I doing here?" she asked, looking around, still disoriented.

Mrs. Walker took her hand, and the touch was a comforting weight amidst the maelstrom churning in Emma's mind. "You. don't remember?" She asked, concern fluttering through her eyes "Perhaps that is for the best."

But in that instant, the memories came flooding back with the force of a storm. Pictures of the men, their laughter jeering the flash of the knife sent her gasping. Her hands instinctively wrapped round her stomach as if shielding it from harm "My babies!" she shrieked, panic coating her voice. "My children

Mrs. Walker's hand was upon hers the next second, I'm a reassurance way. They're safe, dear. The doctor will be here in any second. Both of them are perfectly all right"

Relief swelled up in Emma's heart, and the panic loosened just little before hot tears began tumbling down her face. "Thank you... thank you for everything. Thank you for saving us

Mrs. Walker smiled and waved her thanks away lightly. "Come now, you've saved me in your own way too."

Emma shook her head, overcome by emotion. This is different, Mrs, Walker. If you hadn't shown up know what would have happened to us."

when you

did...

...I don't

Mrs. Walker leaned forward and gently wiped Emma's tears away "No more tears, my dear, you're safe now, and those men have been apprehended. They're being interrogated as we speak

"I... I don't know how I can ever thank you, Mrs. Walker, Emmastammered, the shaking still in her voice.

"Please, call me Elizabeth, Mrs. Walker said warmly. I'd appreciate it if you felt comfortable with me.

Emma was taken aback by her request. It sounded surreal to refer to Mrs. Walker that way, after all, this was the richest woman in the country. The woman everyone always perceived as untouchable. How how did you know I was there?" Emma finally asked in a whisper.

Elizabeth's face became grave. "I was afraid for you, I saw that man running after you, and I cannot get this feeling out of my mind that something was wrong,

Emma's heart raced at her words. Swallowing hard, she knew Elizabeth must have seen Alexander following her. Her hands clenched slightly under the covers as fear crept back.

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Chapter 16

"Is it all because of him Mrs. Walker asked, looking into Emma's face for an answer.

"Who?" Emma replied, feigning ignorance, but she knew very well whom Elizabeth meant.

"Alexander Black, CEO of Blackthorn Holdings," Mrs. Walker replied, her voice soft but inquisitive.

Emma's heart was racing as she froze. She had hide everything about her past, but it was only a matter of time before the, truth unraveled. Forcing a smile, her voice shook. I've only heard about him," she said awkwardly. "Tve never met him, aside from the brief encounter at the event.....

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Then why would you abruptly leave your apartment that night and end up sleeping at gas stations??

The room fell silent as Emma scrambled for a reason, her head racing T. 1.."

Elizabeth settled back and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You don't have to tell me anything you're not ready to share, When you feel comfortable, I'll be here to listen."

Just then there came a rap at the door, and a bright, smiling woman entered. "Good morning, Miss Veronica," she said. "How are you feeling? I'm Dr. Courtney."

Mrs. Walker rose from her chair and smiled at Emma, soft and gentle. "I leave you now," she said, giving Emma's hand one last reassuring squeeze before stepping out and leaving her to process all that had happened. "Feel at home.

As Alexander lay back in his private jet, with Annie beside him, the incidence of the previous day kept replaying in his mind. Thoughts of shock and anger were boiling in his head. His heart was so heavy, not because he was feeling sad but because a deep sense of betrayal had curled up his heart. Despite his best efforts to convince himself that Emma was no longer a part of his life, the memories of her, the innocence she had fooled him with, still haunted him.

His jaw clenched in remembrance of the man's words, his fists tight. Nothing compared to Emma's betrayal, and he could feel the hate toward her swelling. How could she had betrayed him while being under the martial oath with him? The thought of her screwing around while bound by their marriage leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.

Annie stirred in her sleep, snuggling her head into the comfort of his shoulder. Alexander looked down at her, reminding himself where his loyalty and future lay. Emma's chapter in his life was closed, and he was more than grateful for that. She had sinned against him, against their union, beguiled him with her innocent eyes. And as he gazed from the window at the clouds running in swift masses across, he did pray silently never to forgive her. He would bury her name and any remaining memories of her, ensuring that she became no more than a memory, painful reminder of the woman his father had forced him to marry.