Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 67

Chapter 67

Alexander stepped out of the car, his tall commanding frame moving with a fluidity that only increased his unapproachable. aura. Cold, distant, and untouchable, he was as always-a man cut from stone and wrapped around divinity. The sharp scent of alcohol wafted to her as he passed, without so much as a look in her direction, his shoes clicking rhythmically against the floor

"Alexander," Annie called, spinning on her heels to follow him inside. The joy and excitement that had filled her heart since the evening began to waver under the weight of his indifference I've been waiting for you." He didn't stop, his pace steady, his broad shoulders rigid.

"I prepared your supper," she added, quickening her steps to keep up. The silence between them was unbearable, pressing against her like a suffocating weight

"I'm not hungry. Annie," he said flatly, his voice slurred slightly but tinged with something deeper-sadness. He didn't even bother to look back at her as he made his way to the living room

Annie let out a heavy sigh, frustration mingling with disappointment. She quickened her pace, determined to get his attention. "I need to talk to you about the Aurora Honors," she sail, her voice sharper now.

Alexander stopped, momentarily, his shoulders tightening. He turned his head to the side, and his eyes clouded with alcohol. "What else is there now to talk about? Your clothes have been tailored with one of the best stylists and makeup artist has been paid in advance and every little thing on your list has been ticked off

The disdain in his tone cut, but Annie pushed through. This was too important. "Lneed to go for something different," she said, instantly softening, imploring. I'm sure you've heard about the CEO of W2 HOLDINGS making an appearance at the event. That changes everything. I need to look my best as your wife, she emphasized the word 'wife.

Alexander's eyes turned cold. He reached into his pocket and drew out his black card, slapping it onto the coffee table with a careless flick of his wrist. "Take it. Get whatever you want

But Annie didn't reach for the card. Her pride wouldn't let her. It's not just about the dress, Alexander, she said, her tone firmer now. "We need to be seen together in advance to make an impression and also, you need to get a new suit."

After checking that her secret security team was keeping an eye on her children, who were in different departments and on different floors of the hospital, Emma stepped outside. The warm breeze greeted her, but it did little to soothe the nervous energy humming beneath her skin. She spotted Jaden leaning casually against his sleek sports car, the metallic sheen of the vehicle glinting under the sun. His smile was effortless, his appeal irresistible as he stepped forward to open the door for her with all the grace of a storybook gentleman. "Morning, ma'am," he teased, his voice light yet laced with a warmth that did flutter her heart. He stared at her as if he was seeing her for the first time, and the rush of heat across her cheeks was enough to send her blushing.

Sliding into the low seat of the car, Emma felt out of place yet exhilarated. Jaden closed the door with a flourish, walking around to the driver's side to hop in. He revved the engine with confident smirk on his face, and without any hesitation, they sped out of the parking lot. They zipped past slower vehicles as though they weren't there. The newest jams were playing on the speakers, the bass pulsating through her chest cavity.

Emma giggled softly, leaning back in her seat. When was the last time I felt like this? she wondered. She couldn't remember the last tirpe she'd sat in a car with loud music blaring, with the wind in her hair and a man next to her. Sure, Brandon often drove her and the kids, but those moments were practical, mature, and filled with the gentle monotony of family life. This this was something else entirely.

The energy was infectious, and soon enough. Emma found herself nodding her head to the beat of the music. Jaden glanced over at her, his eyes catching the way she moved, and he blushes a faint pink spreading across his cliccks That simple

action made her heart skip a beat in an unimaginable way.

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She could feel the awe and a little trepidation as they pulled up in front of one of the most renowned fashion houses in the world. She stepped out of the car, her heels clicking against the pavement as she took in the grandeur of the boutique. The window displays themselves were masterpieces, each piece of clothing even more dazzling than the last.

As she walked in, Emma was hit by the artistry of the designs around her. Each garment seemed to have a life of its own, demonstrating the creativity and skill of the designers. She lightly ran her fingers over a delicate fabric, marveling at the detail. But then, her chest heaved with a pang of sadness as one memory came forth-a memory so buried.

The last time she had been in a place like this was to get married to Alexander. She had come alone, wandering through rows of wedding dresses with no one to guide or support her. She'd fought back tears then, just as she did now. That chapter of her life was over, she reminded herself. She had closed that door, locked it, and thrown away the key. She wasn't that girl desperate for validation, desperate for love anymore; she was Emma, CEO of W2 HOLDINGS, an anonymous woman who built her empire in the shadows. Emma took a deep breath and compelled herself to the present. She ambled around the store to take in the beauty of the clothes hanging from the racks. Staff greeted her and Jaden with warmth and politeness, really professional and offering services. Even the manager came forwartl, well-mannered and pleasant

Emma got to work, peering through the racks and pulling out a few options to hold against herself as Jaden weighed in with his thoughts. His enthusiasm was infectious, and she found herself smiling more and more as they worked together to find the perfect outfit. Everything was going so well until the atmosphere changed. A stuff member approached the manager and whispered something into her ear. The expression on her face changed in an instant, and she excused herself, quickly disappearing to wherever with all the other employees in tow.

Emma and Jaden exchanged puzzled looks as the store cleared itself of all attendants. Moments later, the doors opened once more, and Emma's heart stopped. Walking in, as confident as ever, were Alexander and next to him was Annie.