Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 54

Chapter

54

Annie sat up in bed in the dead of night, feeling heavy hearted, or face dark as she looked across at Alexander, who was sleeping beside her. Hurt, humiliation, rage all swam together her mind, and every heartbeat was like a reminder, cruel and taunting of that night's betrayal. She balled her lists into herides as the recollection hit her full force. Alexander had made love to her, yes, but it wasn't really her he had made love to. Not Every touch, every whispered word, every passionate moment had been meant for Einma. The tume he had breathed all night hadn't been hers! Unable to bear the mix of emotions that surged higher inside her, she slipped out of bed and stepped quietly into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. In front of the mirror, she clutchell onto the sink tightly, her body shaking, trying hard to withhold her emotion. She could still hear his voice ringing in her head, the murmur of Emma's name, the memory was as sharp as glass. As much as it pained lier to admit it, he'd been different tonight, holding her with a passion that she had never felt from him before; a passion meant for his ex- wife, she thought with disgust.

Hot angry tears pricked her eyes, spilling over and rolling down her cheeks. She didn't waste time wiping them away. What difference would it make? Nothing could soothe the ache in her heart or the realization of how deeply he was still in love with Emma, no matter how much he tried to deny it. After everything Annie had done, every sacrifice she had made to keep Alexander's love, he still craved Enuna, still yearned for her, still couldn't let her go

She looked down at her feflection, the tears staining her face, then glancing down at her stomach. A new thought struck her; even if Alexander's sperm tonight didn't lead to pregnancy, this was her chance to really get pregnant, and she wouldn't dare miss it. This was her only assurance of keeping a place for herself in Alexander's life. This was her one chance at holding on to him. her last hope of saving what scraps were left of their relationship.

Annie took a shaky breath and straightened, her resolve hardening as she brushed away her tears. She needed to be strong. She couldn't afford to break, not now. The cost of losing him was one she couldn't dare risk. With a steely determination, she went back into the bedroom, sliding into bed beside Alexander

As soon as Emma pulled up in front of her apartment complex, she saw Jaden's car parked neatly along the curb. A tired sigh escaped her, readying herself for another unwanted confrontation. For days now, Jaden had been trying to contact her at every turn, calls, messages, but she had done all in her power to create distance between them. She needed to protect her peace, and by extension, her qhildren's

"Mom, Uncle Jaden's here!" Emily's high pitched excited shriek cut through her thought, watching as Jaden emerged from

his car

Emma's expression hardened slightly. "Emily, darling," she said, an edge of steel underlying her voice." I have to speak with Uncle Jaden for a minute or two. You and your brother go inside

The children looked up at her, surprised by the tone in her voice but they didn't hesitate to do as instructed. Muttering a quick hello to Jaden, they stepped across the threshold into the house, and Emma closed the door behind them, turning to him again. She could see the mixture of sadness and determination on his face, but she refused to let her resolve waver.. She had her reasons, reasons she knew were important, even though they sounded cruel.

I've been trying to reach you, Emma," he said low and even, though his eyes reflected hurt. "I just needed to see you."

Emma's heart ached briefly at his expression, but she forced herself to remain composed. She had decided that anyone aware of her painful past didn't have a place in her life now, she needed to build a fresh start for herself and her children.

"I told you to stay away from me and my kids, she responded felly, her voice unyielding.

Jaden's shoulders hunched slightly, but he didn't back down. "I know what you said, and I didn't really want to cross the line "but, you haven't been picking up my calls, and I needed to talk to you."

"About what?" Emma asked sharply, her tone edged with sarcasm "About my past?"

"No... no, Emma, it's not like that. I just..." He searched for words I miss talking to you"

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Chapter 54

Sympathy tugged at Emma's heart, but she hardened her resolve She turned back, her words laced in finality. "This conversation is over, Jaden."

But just as she began to turn away, Jaden grasped her wrist, his fingers digging deep in desperation.

"Please, Emma," he implored, his voice barely above a whisper. Help me, just this once."

Emma stopped, looking at his hand on her wrist before looking into his eyes. "There is nothing I can do for you, Jaden. I am just a nobody now."

"You're anything but that, he said, his voice thick with emotion. Please, Emma. I have no one else I can ask, no one else who will see me for who I am, without thinking about my money, my position, or my power"

His words softened her, even if only a fraction. Reluctantly she asked, "What is it that you want from me, Jaden!"

He took a deep breath, as though summoning the courage to say, "I want you to be my date to the Aurora Honors."

Emma's face set in a hard line. "I can't. Jaden, you know I can't."

"Please, Emma" he pressed, his voice raw with desperation. "My parents are pressuring me into an arranged marriage with someone I feel nothing for. If I don't show them that I'm already in a relationship, they'll go through with it. And I'll be... trapped"

Emma looked at him, her resolve faltering. She could see the desperation in his eyes, feel the weight of his struggle. Immediately, memories she'd long buried surfaced, the day she'd stood at the altar and hoped one day Alexander would love her. But that hope had shattered when he announced his plan to divorce her five years later, leaving her dreams pieces. She knew very well Jaden's fear; the feeling of being cornered, forced into something against one's will.

She let out a deep, profound sigh; for a moment, a flicker of pity crossed her eyes, yet her answer remained firm. "I'm so sorry, Jaden. I know how hard this must be for you, but my answer is still no."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Jaden standing there, his pain silently hanging in the air like a shadow between them

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