Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring (Emma and Alexander) novel Chapter 109

Chapter 109 

Emma gripped the steering wheel tighter as she pulled win her Artveway she was on the verge of tears 

The memories of the evening haunted her. How Alexander has defended Annie in de preserve of everyone. 

Her heart burn with an unbearable pain. 

As she turned off the engine, she noticed another car parked next to hers 

Her heart skipped a beat is she realized it was Jaden’s car 

She took a shaky breath and stepped out of her car, her knees feeling weaker than they should 

Jaden emerged from his car at the same time, his brow furrowed with worry. He had been calling her phone for hours barat 

no reply. 

“Emma,” he whispered, his voice steady. “I called you. So many times. You didn’t answer, I was worried? 

Emma barely heard him. 

Her heart burn with too much pain. 

Without thinking, she closed the space between them in a second and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing ber forehead against his chest. The pain she’d been holding all evening broke and her body trembled as her tears began to roll down her cheeks. 

Jaden froze for a moment, shocked by what was going on. 

He could feel her shaking against his body. His heart ached at the thought of her suffering alone. 

She clutched at his shirt. Her voice was muffled, broken by sobs. “L… I can’t… I can’t do this anymore.” 

Jaden didn’t need an explanation. Her pain spoke volumes. He pulled her closer into a hug, wrapping his arms gently around her until no space was left between them, his chin resting lightly on her head, his hand stroking her hair in slow, sooths 

motions. 

The walls Emma had carefully built around her heart crumbled. Now, it was obvious that she had held on to the foolish hope that Alexander would choose her someday. That Alexander would fight for her love, see her worth. But tonight had shattered that hope beyond repair. The image of Alexander defending Annie with a fierceness he’d never shown for Emma, replayed in her mind like a cruel nightmare. 

Her sobs was loud. 

Her body was heaving with pain, 

Jaden’s jaw tightened, his chest squeezing painfully. 

For months, he had been watching her struggle, hiding her torture behind the mask of strength, but at this very instant seeing her finally break down, he wanted so much to take the pain away from her and to shoulder it himself. 

“I’m so sorry Emma,” he whispered, his voice low and even. 

Her tears soaked his shirt, but he didn’t care. They stood there in the dark. The world around them fading into silence. The warmth of his embrace, the steady thump of his heart was everything she needed right now. 

For the first time in a long while, Emma allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, she deserved more. More than to 

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for a man who only saw her as a second option. More than to hold onto love that only brought her pain. She longed to 

rished to feel safe, to know that womeone was in her corner without conditions. 

Her wbs quieted 

Jaden tightened his hold on her, his fingers rubbing gently against her back, soothing, without demanding anything in return. His presence was a balm to her hurt heart. 

“I need a drink tonight, Emma whispered. 

riped her tears away. Her eyes was full of pain. 

the sight of her, Jaden’s heart clutched 

“Emma” he trailed off, his voice thick with concern. 

He wanted to tell her that drowning her pain in alcohol wouldn’t ease her suffering, but the pleading look in her eyes silenced him 

“Please, Jaden,” she whispered, her voice shaking. “I need this. Just for tonight. I need to forget.” 

He nodded reluctantly. 

He couldn’t deny her this, not with the pain written all over her face. 

Without saying another word, he escorted her to his car, his hand resting on her back. 

They took off into the night. 

Jaden grasped the wheel tightly, the muscles in his jaw taut as he tried to steady his own feelings. 

He glanced more than once at Emma, who stared blankly out the window. Her eyes were distant and vacant. 

Fifteen minutes later, Jaden pulled in front of a small bar. 

It was secluded, quiet and preferable considering the situation. 

They stepped inside, the smell of beer greeted them. 

The low hum of conversation and faint music filled the air. 

Emma walked straight to the bar counter. Her movements was robotic, as though her body was running on autopilot. Jaden followed, his worry deepening with every step. 

He ordered drinks, his voice steady but his heart racing with unease. 

The bartender set down two glasses, but Jaden didn’t touch his. 

He just watched as Emma downed her drink in one swift motion, her throat bobbing, eyes squeezed shut as if trying to swallow the bitterness of her reality along with the alcohol. 

She picked up his glass and gulped down the drink too. 

She slammed the glass back on the table, forcing the air out of her nostrils. “Another,” she muttered, her tone husky. 

Jaden remained silent, his gaze searching her face for any sign of the Emma he knew.