Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 20

Chapter 20

When they finally arrived at Diana's grave, nestled within a serene, high-end cemetery adorned with glass memorials and vibrant flowers, Emma noticed another car parked nearby. Though she thought little of it at first, she followed Mrs. Walker straight down the winding path, focused solely on supporting her Yet, as they approached Diana's resting place, Emma's steps slowed. She saw a tall figure standing by the grave, shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs

The man turned upon hearing their footsteps, revealing a face marked with grief. Emma recognized him as Mr. Brandont Kings-the same man Mrs. Walker had introduced her to at a recent gathering. Brandon quickly brushed away his tears, straightening as Mrs. Walker approached. Without a word, Mrs. Walker reached out, and they shared a long, heartfelt embrace. The pain between them was palpable, an unspoken bord through their shared loss, and Emma felt her own tears well up.

"It's so nice of you to come here," Mrs. Walker murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "I truly appreciate it, Brandon."

"She meant everything to me, Elizabeth, Brandon whispered. "I miss her more than words can say."

Emma's heart ached at the raw grief in his voice, the weight of his memories pouring through. It dawned on her just how deeply Diana must have touched him. Perhaps they had been more than friends, but has intentionally kept it from the world. She wished Diana had found the strength to stay, to see how many people cherished her and were left broken by her absence.

They took turns speaking softly to Diana, each sharing a piece of their heart. Even Marina, usually guarded and distant, succumbed to her emotions, tears streaming down her face as she spoke of the laughter they'd once shared. Each story painted a picture of Diana that lingered long after the words faded, each memory tugging at the hole she'd left behind.

Finally, Mrs. Walker introduced Emma to Diana, her voice gentle Diana, this is Emma. She's a wonderful person, someone I'm so grateful to have in my life. I think you would have liked her.

The finality of it all settled heavily around them as they turned to leave. As they approached the cars, Brandon fell into step beside Emma

"We didn't really get a chance to finish our introduction the first time we met," he said softly.

Emma felt a pang of guilt. "I'm so sorry for that. I wasn't feeling well and had to leave in a bit of a rush.

Brandon nodded, his gaze unreadable but kind. "I understand. bear you're staying with Elizabeth now, I'm glad she has someone like you around" He hesitated, his eyes lingering on her a moment longer. "I'll see you around, Emma" As she watched him walk away, a strange feeling settled in her chest but she couldn't pinpoint out what it was about

Annie watched with simmering resentment as Alexander suited up, preparing to leave for his mother's welcome-home party-a celebration planned meticulously by Vivian. Annie's chest tightened as she observed the case in Alexander's movements, the slight excitement he couldn't hide. Her hands clenched into fists. He would be attending ALONE, a pointed decision that tore at her pride, as Brianna had made it clear that Annie was not welcome.

"How would she ever see what a good wife 1 am if she won't give me a chance?" Angie seethed under her breath, bitterness staining every word. Brianna had always looked down on her, dinissing her without a second thought, and Annie's anger flared at the memory of it. She cursed Brianna silently, wishing if only for a fleeting, dark moment-that her mother-in-law to be had never recovered from that fall in the bathroom

From day one, Brianna had positioned herself as an immovable wall in Annie's life, a wall built of disdain and rigid Judgment. But Annie was done with running from people like Banna. She had fought too hard, sacrificed too much to stand beside Alexander as his wife, and she wasn't about to let anyone tear her away from what she'd claimed-not Brianna, nor any of her haters!

Her heart hardened, a plan brewing in her mind. She needed a plan to cement her place in Alexander's life a way to make 12:49 Tue, Dec 17 G.

Chapter 20

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her position in the Black family unshakable. Getting pregnant would be that plan. It would bind her to Alexander in a way no one could contest, not even his overbearing mother. A child was her security, her insurance, the undeniable proof that she belonged here.

Lately. Alexander had been uncharacteristically affectionate, his demeanor softened after the recent event they had attended. He'd been showing her a tenderness that had once seemed impossible, and she had savored every moment, believing it signaled a new chapter between them. And if Emma was still out there, carrying Alexander's child, she had stayed far away. Annie had done everything in her power to track Emma down after she'd vanished, but each search had ended in frustration. Strangely, this brought Annie an odd sense of peace. Emina had slipped into the shadows and that was exactly where Annie intended her to stay.

Rising to her feet, she adjusted Alexander's tie with delicate hands, her practiced smile on her face. Leaning in, she pressed at slow kiss to his lips, her voice sweet and soft as she handed him a carefully wrapped gift. "Give this to mother," she murmured, her eyes gleaming. "Tell her I love her. I know she'll surely give me a chance.

Alexander gave a slight nod, taking the gift and leaving the house Annie watched him drive off, a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes. But as he pulled into his mother's estate, he placed the gift aside, his lips pressed into a grim line. He wouldn't let Annie's attempt to gain his mother's favout weigh on his mother's heart tonight. She deserved peace after spending a couple of weeks at the hospital

After the party, as he made his way back home, he spotted a trash can along the road, where he tossed the gift without a second thought. Later that night, when he returned to Annie, he offered her a smile, assuring her that he'd delivered her gift. to his mother. Annie beamed with satisfaction, oblivious to the lie, convinced her plan was working.

SEND GIFT