Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 21

Over the following weeks, Annie did numerous pregnancy test, every negative results making her more agitated and frustrated. She needed to seal her place in the Black family on time. She needed a plan for fuck sake.

After months of meticulous planning and near-daily attempts to conceive, Annie's hopes continued to be shattered by every negative test result. Each one gnawed away at her patience, yet she was not a woman who gave up easily. If a child wouldn't secure her place, then marriage would. The thought alone made her smirk, her expression shifting into a self-assured arrogance as she admired herself in the mirror, imagining the title of "Mrs, Black" finally attached to her name. Just then, her phone rang, piercing through her reverie. The caller ID flashed a name that made the blood drain from her face. Her fingers trembled as she answered, gripping the phone tightly while her pulse quickened.

"Where is my money? The voice on the other end was raspy and menacing, the kind of voice that sent a chill down her spine. It was laced with impatience and an edge of cruel amusement.

She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. "I'm.. I'm working on it she managed, her voice barely steady.

"You're running out of time. The voice was as cold as ever, void of any compassion or leniency.

"Please," she pleaded, desperation creeping in, "give me more time. I promise I'll get it to you-

The voice cut her off with a tone sharp enough to make her wince. "You're not safe, Annie. I can reach you anytime, anywhere. If I don't have my money by the due date, consider yourself dead."

"Hello? Hello?" She shouted into the phone, but the line had already gone dead. She stood there, heart racing, clutching her phone as if it could somehow keep her safe. She let out a string of curses under her breath. She needed the money, and fast, but she knew she had to be cunning, careful-one wrong move, and she could lose everything.

Annie had believed that her father would leave her everything after his passing butt in a twist that still enraged her, her father had left it all to charity. Every cent, every property, all gified to orphans and children he'd never even met. Annie promised never to forgive the man who had stripped her of her inheritance and leaving her utterly stranded.

And now, without that lifeline, she had no other fallback but Alexander's wealth. The realization fueled her determination, hardening her resolve. His money was the only thing that could save her life and she was willing to do whatever it took to secure her place in his life. Her father might have abandoned her but she was a strong woman and she'd claw her way into Alexander's accounts if she had to.

A familiar, restless itch began to creep into her skin. She craved relief a way to dull the spiraling panic and dread. Without a second thought, she grabbed her bag, stormed out of the apartment, and drove to a distant neighborhood where no one would recognize her. There, in the shadows, she pulled out the small stash she had hidden away, quickly losing herself in the comforting haze of drugs. The numbing sensation washed over her consuming her, until everything faded away

As Alexander released inside her, they both lay tangled in exhaustion, breaths heavy as the night settled around them. Annie turned onto her side, her face clouded with a sadness she couldn't hide. Alexander noticed immediately, a pang tightening his chest as he looked at her.

"What's wrong, Annie?" he asked softly, still catching his breath

of concern

She sighed deeply, her gaze fixed somewhere distant. "Tve always loved you, Alex.. long before you even knew. You've been my everything, my world." Her voice trembled as tears began to lip down her cheeks. "You have no idea what those tive years without you were like. I... I almost didn't make it."

"Shh.." Alexander whispered, reaching to wipe her tears. "You're here now. You're with me."

"Am I?" Annie's voice broke, her eyes filling with more tears. "I just your girlfriend, Alex. It feels so temporary. I'm

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Chapter 21

terrified that one day, you'll decide I'm no longer enough, that you'll leave." She paused, swallowing hard. "I want a future with you. A real one. I want to be Mrs. Black."

"You know how much I care about you," Alexander murmured, trying to reassure her, his hand gently rubbing her back. "I do love you, Annie."

"Then prove it." Her voice was barely a whisper, but each word was laced with vulnerability. "Marry me, Alex."

A silence hung in the air as he looked at her, taken aback. "We can't, not yet," he finally said, voice gentle but firm. "Not without my mother's blessing.

With a choked sob, Annie stood, crossing to the wall, pressing her hand against it as if it could steady her emotions. Alexander followed, wrapping his arms around her from behind, pulling her close, both of them bare naked and sweaty.

"We could marry in secret," she whispered, voice soft. "Just between us, until the time is right. I want something permanent. Just the thought of being Mrs. Black..." She took a shaky breath. "It would mean everything to me."

Alexander studied her, the intensity of her plea pulling at his heart. He knew his mother's disapproval ran deep, but seeing Annie's pain undid him. "Is that what you really want?" he asked, the decision crystallizing in his mind as he spoke. Annie's eyes searched his, hesitant. "I... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up. Not when your mother;

"I mean it. Annie." He held her face between his hands, his thumb brushing away the tear that had slipped down her cheek. "Il marry you. We'll keep it quiet, just between us, until the time is right"

Annie's face lit up, relief flooding her expression as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing a fierce, grateful kiss to his lips. "I love you, Alex."

"I love you too, Annie," he whispered, feeling the weight of his promise settle on his shoulders. "More than you know." Annie expression changed coldly as she hugged Alexander. At last she was winning

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