Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 23

Chapter 23 Marina was

lurking in the shadows. Marina eyes were set on Emma and Brandon as their friendship grew week after week. With each passing day, she was growing more aggressive. She couldn't get rid of that feeling in her heart that Emma has secrets. Something that might destroy her. Anxiety gnawed at Marina's insides like a hungry beast. She needed to uncover Emma's secret before it was too late.

Finally, the much awaited call came in the evening as she was getting herself ready to call it a day. Her heart beat raised and she held her breath in anticipation, she picked up the phone.

"Veronica Moore, I know who she really is a voice said at the other end, urgent. You were right. She's got skeletons in her cupboard."

A mischievous sinile danced on Marina's face as thrill poured in her body. "Send me all the files. I want to go through them myself." She replied. Her voice barely containing her eagerness. As she hung up. She murmured to herself. "Finally. It's time to reveal who Veronica Moore is to everyone."

With renewed energy. She dashed back to her office. Her mind racing with the implications of the revelation. She

envisioned how the truth would shatter Emma's carefully constructed ruse. The files arrived quickly, Marina tore them open. Her fingers trembling with anticipation. But as Marina sifted through the documents. Her heart sank. Disappointment flooding her senses. She had expected to find dirt on Emma. Perhaps evidence of a desperate woman who had gone through plastic surgeries to imitate her late cousin. Diana Walker. Instead. She learned that Veronica wasn't just a nobody. She was Mrs. Emma Black The ex wife of Mr. Alexander Black. An unfortunate woman who had fallen from grace just a few months prior.

Marina's mind raced. This wasn't the revelation she had anticipated. Marina could not let her aunt find out about this. It would complicate everything. Panic coursed through her as she realized she needed a new plan. Something cunning enough to convince her aunt to send Emma away without a second thought..

Fury bubbled within Marina. In a fit of rage, Marina tore the papers into shreds. Each rip echoing her frustration. She had waited for nothing. Wasting precious time and energy on a lead that had turned out to be a dead end.

Growling in anger. She stormed out of her office.

She was determined to regain her composure. She zoomed to a nearby bar. Seeking solace in the dimly lit atmosphere and the promise of a stiff drink. As she settled into a corner booth. She ordered her drink and took a deep breath. Attempting to calm the storm within her, She needed to think clearly to devise a plan that would ensure Emma's departure. She wouldn't stop until she succeeded.

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Kevin walked alongside Alexander. A sense of urgency tightening his chest. Kevin had found out about Alexander's upcoming wedding too late. But that didn't stop him from trying "Boss. Marrying Miss Annie in less than a year after the divorce. After everything with Mrs. Black. It could create a scandal" Kevin cautioned. Desperation creeping into his voice. "The Black family won't take kindly to it if they find out you kept it a secret."

But Alexander's mind was made up. Alexander's jaw set in determination. He wasn't ready to let anyone stop him now. The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken tension as Alexander strode toward his car. The engine roared to life and he zoomed away toward the courthouse where their wedding would take place

Annie had gone ahead. Saying she wanted to prepare. While Alexander juggled meetings to avoid raising any suspicion.

Less than an hour later. Alexander pulled up in front of the courthouse, He took a moment to adjust his tie. Glancing in the mirror to ensure his reflection projected confidence. Despite the uneasiness roiling within. The wedding wasn't just a formality. It was a statement. Alexander needed to prove to every single one of his family members that Annie was the right

choice.

Taking a sharp breath to steady himself. Alexander stepped out of the car. Determinations fueling his steps as he headed Chapter 23

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straight into the courthouse where his future wife awaited him.

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The grand rance loomed ahead. With each stride, he could feel the weight of the moment bearing down on him

As Alexander stepped inside. The atmosphere shifted. Annic turned her head. Her face lighting up with a radiant smile that momentarily distracted him from his doubts. She looked breathtaking in her wedding attire. Innocence radiating from her as she waved her hand. The red bouquet of flowers in her hands glimmered under the fluorescent lights. Vibrant and full of life.

"Baby!" She called, her voice ringing with excitement. "You made it!"

"Of course." He replied, forcing a smile despite the unease gnawing at him.

But just as Alexander prepared to step further into the room, his phone buzzed insistently in his pocket

He had promised himself to ignore any work related calls for the next few hours. But the urgency of the buzzing compelled him to check the caller ID. His heart sank as he saw his younger sister's name flashing on the screen. Without a moment's hesitation. He answered. "Brother! Mother has fainted! She's unconscious. We're on our way to the hospital as we speak!" Vivian's voice was panicked. A desperate wail that sent a chill through Alexander.

He froze. The noise of the courthouse fading into the background. He spotted Annie waving enthusiastically. But all he could focus on was the thought of his mother lying there. Unconscious. He felt an overwhelming need to be by her side in case this will be the last time he will get to see her. Feel her. Hold her. Speak to her.

He rushed toward Annie. His voice a low growl "My mother is unconscious and is on her way to the hospital. I have to g

need to be there for her."

She swore in her mind at his words. But she acted shocked and worried. "OMG! What happened!?"

"I don't know. I just have to go now."

"But we can hurry the wedding! We can get everything done in thirty minutes!" She pleaded. Desperation creeping into her tone.

"Perhaps we should postpone it. You should find your way home He replied tersely. Already turning away. His heart heavy,

Annie stood there. Disbelief washing over her. She had envisioned this day for so long. Now it was slipping away from her grasp. All night long. She struggled to sleep. Consumed by thoughts of finally becoming Mrs. Alexander Black. Now his mother was standing in the way of everything she desired.

Frustrated. She hurled the red bouquet against the wall. The flowers scattering across the floor. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks as she fumed silently. Why couldn't Brianna Black just die already? If she wanted to leave this world. Why did she have to ruin Annie's plans in the process? Cursing Brianna. She stormed out of the courthouse. Her anger propelling her forward.

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