Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 18

Chapter

18

Emma had been staying in Mrs. Walker's house for days and was beginning to feel comforted but trapped at the same time. She knew she would be eternally grateful for everything Mrs. Wilker had done for her, offering a safe place to hide in the middle of the chaos her life had turned into. Emma knew she couldn't stay on though. She couldn't afford this risk of her identity getting revealed.

She had decided that once she was back to full health, that she would leave and she spent every second counting the hours, urging herself on to hurry up and heal so she could vanish before her secrets began to surface.

The police had arrived that first afternoon after she'd regained consciousness, their questions sharp and probing.

She lied, stone-faced, telling them she didn't have any idea who her attackers were or who might have sent them. It was a necessary lie, a way of protecting herself and her kids from Alexander's wrath. She knew he could buy the entire police force wigh just a snap of his fingers, bending them to his whim.

The last thing she wanted was to be exposed, to let her guard down and be within his reach again. This lie was her only defense, the one way of staying hidden from him... for now.

Emma froze as she heard raised voices downstairs, she had decided not not get involve in Mrs. Walker's life since she was merely a guest. Yet, her heart pounded with unsteadiness. She had a feeling that the argument was all about her and just as she tried to brush it off, hurried footsteps approached, and her door swung open without warning.

Marina was standing in the doorway, her eyes blazing with an intensity that sent a shiver coursing through Emma. She looked at her with so much disdain, as though she were some kind of unwanted intruder.

"I told you to stay away from my family," Marina spat, her words dripping with venom.

Emma struggled to her feet, too stunned to utter a word.

"Marina, get out of there! Don't do this!" Mrs. Walker's voice echoed down the hall and got louder as she approached the

room

But Marina did not back off. She turned to her aunt, hostility etched in her glare. "Auntie, wake up already! I know her type. She is nothing but a liar, a fraud!"

Mrs. Walker's voice trembled with anger and hurt. "I help her because I want to, Marina!"

"Exactly what she's making you believe, auntie, Marina said icily shaking her head as if she was watching her aunt fall for a sad illusion. "She saved me, Marina. Can't you see that it doesn't hurt to help her too?"

Marina turned back to Emma, her face close enough to see every ounce of resentment in her eyes. "Your days in this house are numbered. Take whatever you want while you're here; it wont be long. You've messed with the wrong family"

"Marina, leave her alone!" Mrs. Walker's voice cracked, filled with fury and heartbreak.

Marina gave her aunt a final, chilling glance. "It is time to come to terms with the fact that Diana is gone. And this fraud here? She is nothing but an imposter."

With that, she pushed her way past her aunt without so much aga second glance and left Mrs. Walker standing, quivering. shattered by the hurting words that she had hurled at her, Emma was immediately wrapped Mrs. Walker in her arms as Mrs. Walker's tears streamed down her face at the loss of her only child all over again.

when Mrs. Walker eventually stopped crying. Emma sofily invited her to a cup of tea. They sat opposite each other at the gigantic kitchen table. Emma fidgeted for a few moments before she spoke. "Elizabeth." The name felt like lead in her mouth, but Mrs. Walker had insisted she address her by her first name. "I wanted to tell you. I'm going to leave soon. I never meant to stay here, imposing on you. You've already done so much for me, and I really can't continue to accept your. generosity without being in a position to return some of it back you." 12:49 Tue, Dec 17 ti G. Chapter 18

Mrs. Walker set her teacup down, her eyes fell as she fought a bale that brewed in her mind. A moment later, she spoke, her tone soft but resolute. "What if I were to make you an offer? Something both of us will benefit from." Emma scrunched her brow. "An offer?"

Mrs. Walker did not bat an eyelid. "What if I were to offer you a job within my corporation!

Emma stiffened, Mrs. Walker's word catching her off guard. The offer was tantalizing. Yet she knew her answer. The longer she stayed here, the closer it will be for her past to catch up witliber, exposing everything she'd fought to keep hidden. She set her cup down with a great sense of regret welling in her hear "I... I am afraid I cannot accept the offer, Elizabeth. I am so sorry. I just cannot.".

Mrs. Walker's face fell with disappointment but she didn't press Emma. Her face became sadder as the reality dawned on her. Maybe Marina was right, she thought, with a pang. Perhaps it really was time to let go of the hope, accept her beloved Diana was really gone... Forever.

Te week passed in a blur, and finally it was time for Emma to leave. She packed the few things that Mrs. Walker had gotten for her in the short period she has lived with her and waved goodbye but Mrs. Walker insisted in giving her a ride. Regarding this, Emma felt an undercurrent of uneasiness, but she couldn't refuse.

They zoomed away, heading towards the new apartment Mrs. Walker has rented for her.

Halfway there, Mrs. Walker's phone rang. She answered, and after a few moments, her face bleached of color, She hung up. her hand shaking as she dropped the phone in her lap.

Turning to Emma, Mrs. Walker's face contorted into a mask of deep-set determined fury. I've just received news," she said. her voice tight. "The four men who attacked you were found dead this morning... in their cells.

Emma's blood ran cold. She stared at Mrs. Walker, her mind in tailspins. She knew Alexander could be ruthless, but this, this was something else. Her stomach churned with the effort of trying to steady her breathing. Wasn't staying away from him enough? Was he just so determined to shut up any loose ends that he'd go to these lengths?

The hardness in Mrs. Walker's eyes seemed to gleam in the dark. Whoever's after you isn't going to stop. Veronica. So, whether you like it or not, you're coming with me...

The finality in Mrs. Walker voice brooked no argument, and since Emma had no one else to turn to, she didn't argue as the car did a U-turn back to Mrs. Walker's house.

SEND GIFT

0