Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 22

Chapter

22

Emma's day at the office had been remarkably calm. With most of her coworkers embracing her presence and treating her warmly. To them she was simply Diana's cousin. A story Mrs Walker had carefully nurtured to protect her. Marina remained skeptical. Often watching Emma with a sharp eye. But the rest of the team seemed to accept her without question. Which helped Emma settle into her work and feel a small semblance of normalcy.

At about eight months pregnant her stomach had grown large and round, unmistakable even in her loose fitting blouses. She sometimes caught curious glances from colleagues. But Mrs Walker's influence and care had smoothed over any awkward questions. Mrs Walker had become more than just her employer. She was a godmother to Emma's unborn children. Accompanying her to every doctor's appointment and ensuring she followed every instruction. Every vitamin supplement.

It was a kind support Emma hadn't expected. A gentleness that felt foreign after the heartbreak and isolation of the past months. Since her ex husband had abruptly and coldly divorced her she'd been forced to rely solely on herself. Struggling alone in a world that had once been filled with dreams of family and hope of love.

But now with Mrs Walker at her side, something she had thought she could never have again began to stir again. Hope.

As she looked around the office her hand unconsciously resting on her growing belly, Emma felt a warmth bloom in her chest. For the first time in what felt like an eternity. She wasn't walking alone in the dark, there seems to be light up ahead. A path toward something new. Something better. And it filled her with a kind of gratitude she hadn't known was possible.

That afternoon she received a text message from an unknown number. 'Could you give me an hour of your time thi evening. Brandon Kings. I got your number from Elizabeth.

At first Emma wanted to turn down the invitation. But he had said he gotten her number from Mrs Walker. And since he was one of Mrs Walker's people and Mrs Walker trusted him enough to give him her number. It wouldn't be nice to turn down such an invitation. She replied back, 'Fine. But I wouldn't stay longer than an hour.

'Cool by me. 6 pm. ""Good"

That evening Emma found herself anxiously preparing for the unexpected meeting. She wasn't entirely sure why Brand wanted to talk to her. She watched with held breath as Brandon drove into the compound and picked her up in one of his expensive cars.

That evening in a luxurious bridal boutique in the neighboring country, Annie stepped out of the dressing room. Her smile dazzling and her eyes gleaming with excitement. The rich red fabric of the wedding gown clung to her figure, swirling around her feet with every graceful step. It was one of the finest dresses in the shop

She knew she looked stunning and couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as her gaze fell gnAlexander. Who sat on a velvet couch. His eyes weary yet focused on her. She glided toward him. Her heart fluttering with anticipation. This was the dress. The one that would make her unforgettable on their wedding day. Her lips curved into a smile. And she asked. "How do I look baby?"

Alexander barely lifted his gaze. His eyes clouded with exhaustion. He'd been sitting in the boutique for hours. Watching her try on gown after gown. Each one more extravagant than the last His patience was stretched thin. And he wanted nothing more than to escape the tedious shopping experience.

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For a moment he forced himself to shake off his fatigue. His eyes reluctantly taking in the sight of her in the scarlet gown. He nodded. A curt smile crossing his face. "Superb. This one looks really good. Let's choose this."

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12:49 Tue, Dec 17 E

Chapter 22

But his words lacked warmth and Annie could sense it. She pouted. Hoping he'd show more enthusiasm. "Are you sure? Tstill have more gowns to try on."

As she spoke, a memory tugged at the edges of Alexander's mine Pulling him back to another wedding day. Another bride. Another life. He remembered Emma. Radiant in her simple white gown. Her face lit with a pure smile that had once held. his heart. She had planned everything on her own. Sparing him from the endless parade of choices and saving him from this exhausting ordeal. Emma had been so different. So thoughtful. Or so he'd thought.

A bitter shadow passed over his face as the memories darkened. That same beautiful smile had masked betrayal. That same bride had lied to him. Deceived him. And shattered everything they had once shared. His chest tightened with the weight of resentment and his eyes turned cold at the ugly memories. Emma was nothing but a mistake, he reminded himself. A liar. A woman who had dared to cheat on him while being married to him.

He cleared his throat, forcing himself to focus on the woman before him. "The red gown suits you perfectly," he said, his voice sharper than intended.

Annie's hopeful expression faltered under his steely gaze. But she quickly masked her disappointment. Sensing the shift in his mood, she wanted to press him. To convince him to stay longer. To try on the other gowns and bask in his admiration. But the look in his eyes warned her to back down. Sighing she turned and headed back to the dressing room. Clutching the fabric of the gown tightly in her hands. A flicker of frustration hidden behind her smile.

In the quiet of the night. When the world lay still and shadows danced beneath the faint glow of the moon. A figure sat up on a bed. The faint glow of a phone screen pierced the darkness. They paused, listening to the silence as if confirming that everyone else was indeed fast asleep..

With a steady hand they dialed a number. Bringing the device to their ear. The line clicked after a few rings. A groggy voice on the other end murmuring a greeting.

"I need information, the figure spoke in a low controlled tone. Each word weighted with a sense of urgency. "Everything you can find on Emma Black. I want every detail. Every record. Nothing is too small."

The voice on the other end was quiet for a moment. Processing the demand. Emma Black?" they repeated.

"Yeah, the figure replied.

"Okay"

"And be discreet. No one can know about this."

A pause, then the voice responded. "Understood. I'll contact you once I have something"

The figure ended the call. Dropping the phone to their side.

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