Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 151 She had been confined in this hospital for six long weeks now, with the torture of physical recovery and, of course, the emotional turmoil Alexander brought in with his constant presence.

He had saved her from death, donated part of his liver to her, and paid for each single treatment she went through. Grateful though she was, all she could feel was an overwhelm of all he had done for her. she couldn't go on taking, taking his help and gift, not this way. "Babe," Jaden whispered urgently, snapping her out of her thoughts. "I will order for another ride as soon as possible." She nodded while ignoring Alexander's gaze which was burning into her back. But before they could take another step, the sound of shouting and hurried footsteps from a distance froze them in place.

Emma turned her head sharply, and her heart sank.

Paparazzi! A swarm of them flooded into the parking lot, cameras flashing and voices clamoring as they rushed toward her.

""Mrs. Black! Over here!" "Are you really back to your health?!" "Is it true that your ex-husband donated his liver for you?! Panic coursed through her veins. The bright flashes blinded her, and their voices made it impossible to think. Jaden stepped protectively in front of her, shielding er from the onslaught, but it was clear they wouldn't make it back inside without being mobbed. "Damn it," Jaden muttered, looking around for an escape route. Suddenly, Alexander's voice sliced through the chaos, smooth and commanding. "Get in the car, now." Emma hesitated.

She refused to give in, refused to give him the satisfaction of a win, but the paparazzi were closing in too fast. She couldn't afford the exposure now.

Not another word was said as she reached for Jaden's arm and took off in a sprint toward the limousine. Alexander moved aside, opened the door, his face unreadable. Once she and Jaden were inside, Alexander hopped into the passenger seat, and Kevin, his personal assistant, hit the gas.

As Emma and Jaden settled uneasily into Alexander's luxurious limousine, Emma's gaze swept across the interior and land on Annie, seated comfortably and with an air of entitlement that churned her stomach. Annie's presence was a thorn in her side, sharp and unrelenting.

Emma's lips thinned into a straight line. She hadn't expected Annie to be here, but deep down, she realized she should have. Annie was Alexander's girlfriend after all. She was the woman he had chosen and trusted over her.

Annie greeted her with a beautiful smile, the one so oiled and perfect it could melt the hearts of millions through the screen. But not Emma's. Emma was no fan; she had seen the cracks behind Annie's facade. She knew the truth lurking beneath that polished exterior, and it only deepened her disdain "Emma," Annie said, her tone dripping with mock sweetness. "How are you feeling now? I do hope you're recovering well." Emma's chest constricted as anger simmered, bubbling just below the surface. Annie's kindness was as hollow as a rickety shell, and Emma wasn't about to indulge in this farce.

She scoffed, her dark eyes locking with Annie's bright ones. "How am I feeling?" she repeated, her tone sharp enough to cut glass. "Letguess.being alive must be such a disappointment for you, isn't it, Annie?" Annie's smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but she quickly recovered, her eyes darting to Alexander as if seeking for help.

"Emma, I have no idea what you're talking about, she said, her voice quivering just enough to sound convincing. Why would you say such a thing?" Emma leaned forward in her chair slightly. "Don't play dumb with me. We both know the truth. I see right through you, Annie." Annie paled, the bravado of a minute ago melting. "Alexander," she said softly, her voice trembling as she turned to him. "Are you just going to let her talk tolike this?" Alexander did not look up once. His fingers whirled around on the keyboard of his laptop. "I have work to do," he replied coolly. Clearly, he wanted no involvement with either.

Within an hour, the limousine pulled up at the airport, its sleek body glistening in the sun. Outside, it was chaotic: paparazzi swarmed the entrance like bees to honey, cameras flashing incessantly as they jockeyed for the best angles.

Emma let out a heavy sigh, clutching her bag tightly as her nerves began to fray under the weight of all the attention. Beside her, Jaden placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Stay close, he murmured.

A phalanx of hired bodyguards appeared, steely-eyed, and took up position to provide a shield around the pair, escorting them group through hundreds of photographers and reporters. Questions were being thrown at them from every direction. Emma said nothing. She bit her jaw and refused to answer.

She kept her head low as they entered.the airport.

Inside, the chaos lessened, but the feeling of chaos outside still lingered in the air. Emma and Jaden turned to Alexander and nodded politely in appreciation. "Thanks for getting us here," Emma said in a soft tone, though with firmness in it. Jaden added, "We'll take it from here. Our flight is already booked. Emma readjusted the strap of her bag and began to head toward the first-class gate, toward where their plane awaited. But no sooner had she taken that very first step, a firm hand clamped down over her wrist, halting her movement.

Her head snapped up; her startled gaze met Alexander's intense eyes. His grip wasn't painful, but it was firm and leaving no room for excuse.

"Not today," he said, his voice low but commanding, the kind of tone that brooked no defiance. "You're not leaving on that plane." Emma's brow furrowed in confusion and her heart pounded with the weight of what he'd just said, "What do you mean?" she asked, with a mix of frustration and unease in her voice.

Alexander didn't falter, his expression a blend of determination and something deeper, something unreadable. "Today, you're coming with me, Emma"

Before she could protest, he signaled to his security team, and the path shifted. Instead of heading toward the commercial gate, they were En redirected to a private terminal. "Alexander, no, Emma said, trying to pull her wrist free as her voice shook with fury. "You don't get to decide this. I already have plans. "Change them," he cut in. His voice was steel. "This isn't up for debate." "Excuse me?" Emma's voice rose, angry heat boiling over. "You don't own me, Alexander. I've thanked you for your help, but this, this is crossing the line.", Jaden stepped forward, his protective instincts kicked in. "She's made her decision, Alexander. Let her go." He wasn't liking any of this at all.

But Alexander didn't so much as glance at Jaden, his eyes solely focused on Emma. "Who are you to get in between the mother of my twins and I? If you know what's good for you, stay away." Alexander threatened Jaden in a voice cold as ice, an expression that would freeze the warmest of hearts.