Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 165 Chapter 165

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Her hands shaking, Brianna scrolled down through an endless stream of comments, each sharper and crueler than the last. The hatred directed at Emma was staggering, accusations, insults, and outright lies splattered across every platform like poison. Pressing her lips into a thin line, her frail grip of her phone became so strong that her knuckles started whitening.

The world was rallying for Annie, painting her as the poor, innocent victim. But Brianna knew better; she knew the truth. Annie wasn't some helpless woman wronged by Emma; she was the very person who had shattered Emma's life, stealing Alexander and ruining her home for her own selfish reasons.

gone The hypocrisy of it all made Brianna's blood boil. These people, these strangers, knew nothing of what Emma had through: the years of heartbreak, the betrayal, the strength it took to rebuild herself after Alexander chose Annie. And here they were, tearing her apart, siding with the very woman who had caused her pain.

She didn't care about Annie. She never had. And as far as Brianna was concerned, she never would. The thought of Annie made her stomach churn in disgust. Even now, Brianna couldn't raise the smallest ounce of sympathy for her or her unborn child. If the baby didn't make it, so be it. That was Annie's burden to bear, not Emma's nor her's.

Brianna's jaw clenched as she opened her phone's camera.

This was the last straw. Since no one else would, the burden now weighs on her shoulder. she had to say something on behalf of Emma.

She adjusted her position, making sure her face was clearly visible, her eyes fierce and unwavering. When she spoke, her voice was firm with every word laced with passion and conviction.

"To all the people out there tearing Emma into shreds, listen carefully," she started in a firm voice which was simmering with barely-contained anger. You don't know her personally. My daughter-in-law is the nicest lady you could ever meet, and she wouldn't hurt a fly on purpose. And for one slight mistake, you're out here defending Annie, a woman who has done nothing but destroy lives, a woman who would go to the extreme to achieve her aim."

Brianna paused, letting her words sink in. "Emma is not the villain here. She's a survivor. She's someone who has gone through more than you could imagine, and instead of breaking, she stands tall. Kind, strong, and she's someone I am proud to call my daughter." Brianna took a deep breath, her emotions threatening to spill over. "No matter what the world says, I will always stand by Emma. She's done nothing wrong. She doesn't deserve this hate, and if you think for one second that your words will break her, think again. Because my daughter is stronger than all of you combined."

She concluded with a sharp tone, "I stand with Emma, and I always will."

Hitting the stop button, Brianna immediately uploaded the video to her Facebook account. Within minutes, the video started gaining attention, comments flooding in as people began to see another side of the story.

Brianna sat back and her heart began to race in her chest. Of course, she knew her words magically couldn't erase the hatred.

But she needed to let Emma know that someone was in her corner.

Brianna was ready to fight the world for her.

AAAAA

The smug smile on Annie's face disappeared the moment Brianna's video played on her screen. Anger twisted her face, her

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hate welling in her like molten lava. She had spent the whole day basking in the chaos she had caused, laughing like a mad woman as she scrolled video after video and comment after comment that vilified Emma. Each word of condemnation was balm to her twisted ego.

She'd been smart about this, hadn't she? Last night had been a golden opportunity, and she'd grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Emma had barely laid a finger on her, but Annie had made sure to amplify the drama, collapsing to the ground with a shriek that echoed in the grand hall.

Now the pregnancy bump she had worn lay careless across the bed.

For weeks, Annie had racked her brain on just how to stage her miscarriage. It wasn't like she could keep up the charade forever, there was no real baby, just a tool she had weaponized to manipulate Alexander and the public.noveldrama

Last night had handed her the perfect stage on a silver platter, and she had performed exquisitely.

Or so she had thought.

Now, with Brianna's video trending on the Internet, Annie's carefully constructed plan seemed not so perfect.

People had started doubting her. Supportive comments for Emma began to creep out. Not much, but enough to infuriate

her.

Her eyes darted to the screen, looking straight into Brianna's angry face. For the most part, Brianna had been a thorn in her side, and to see her so bold in Emma's defense was like salt on a raw wound. With shaking hands, Annie reached for her phone and started typing under one of her many fake accounts.

'You're delusional, Brianna. Stop defending a woman who's nothing but a selfish, manipulative liar. Emma deserves everything she's getting. She's dangerous and cruel, just like you!

She hit send, watching her venomous comment began to gain attention as likes and replies rolled in. It wasn't enough to completely drown out Brianna's support, but it reminded Annie she still had her loyal defenders. People were still on her side.

She leaned back in her chair and took a swig of the beer that sat on the table. The bitter taste of the drink perfectly complemented the bitterness welling up in her heart. She had driven out of the city last night, leaving chaos behind to avoid anyone catching onto the fake pregnancy.

Everything had been going according to plan until Brianna decided to stick her nose where it didn't belong.

Annie growled; her fingers closed tighter around the glass. "Why can't that woman just stay out of my business?" she muttered to herself, venom dripping from each word. Brianna had always been a problem, always in the way. Maybe if Annie had focused more on silencing her once and for all, none of this would be happening now.

She was already plotting in her mind what was to come next. The tides were now changing, and Annie was not about to let Emma or Brianna get the best of her. She slammed tumbler onto the side locker with anger.

"Enjoy your little victory while you can," she spat at the screen, her eyes ablaze with determination.