Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 168 Chapter

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She smiled at her daughter and swallowed the lump in her throat Emma couldn't show her fear; she couldn't let her daughter know just how scared she was to lose her. "You are so brave, sweetheart," she whispered softly, brushing her hand across her daughter's cheek. "Mommy's so proud of you.".

Emily's smile widened slightly. "I'm okay, Mommy," she murmured in her soft, tiny voice. "You don't have to worry."

But Emma couldn't let go of her worries. To think of anything happening to Emily, of her little girl slipping away because of something she couldn't stop, was just too much to bear. She had done all she could: brought them back to the city, faced Alexander in spite of everything that had happened in the past, and begged for his help. But what if it wasn't enough? What if her daughter's fate had already been sealed?

Her eyes darted to Ethan, who was stacking blocks in one corner of the room, humming a little tune to himself. His joy was infectious, his energy a stark contrast to Emily's stillness. Ethan loved his sister, and he always tried to get her to laugh and always wanted to share his toys or stories. The bond between them was unbreakable, and Emma knew that if something happened to Emily, Ethan's heart would shatter.

"Mommy?" Ethan called, his head turned over his shoulder with a brilliant grin spreading castle!"

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his face. "Look! I built a

Emma couldn't help but smile, nodding to encourage him. "It's beautiful, sweetheart. You're such a talented builder."

Ethan beamed under her praise and continued with his creation, his laughter filling the room. Emma looked at Emily again. She was fast asleep now. Emily seemed so peaceful, but that gnawing in Emma's chest wouldn't let go of her: What if this peacefulness does not last? What if the doctors are wrong and it is more than a side effect of a drug?

Her heart ached with a mother's guilt and fear. If Emily didn't get better, if Emma lost her, she would never forgive herself. She would blame herself forever for not having acted sooner, for not finding some way to save her.

For now, however, Emma had hope. She held on to what the doctor had said.

"Today, let's do something different, kids," Emma said in a light and cheerful voice as she looked from Ethan to Emily. Ethan's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and even Emily, who had been sleeping, immediately opened her eyes at her mother's words. Ethan, ever the bundle of energy, tilted his head in curiosity. "What are we going to do, Mommy?" he asked while bouncing around the room.

Emma leaned over, a mischievous smile on her lips. "Give Mr. Handsome's mommy a surprise visit," she said, her voice warm yet uncertain as she gauged their reactions.

It only took Ethan a second to process her words, and immediately he did; he shrieked in delight.

His arms were spread wide as he began to spin in circles. "Mr. Handsome! Mr. Handsome!" he shouted in loud-giggles. Mr. Handsome was the nickname Ethan had given to Alexander.

It warmed Emma's heart, seeing her little son this pleased.noveldrama

Ethan stopped his mad circling and looked at her with big, wide doe eyes. "Mommy, does this mean I finally get to be friends with Mr. Handsome now?!" he exclaims, hopeful, almost rembling with excitement as he awaits her response.

Emma hesitated a moment; allowing the twins to get closer to Alexander was a step she hadn't been fully prepared for but Alexander was their father, and as such, he deserved a place in the children's lives, and she needed to start building that 15:27 Thu, Jan 30 of

place now.

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She flung her head back in mock surrender and smiled, "Yeah, sweetheart, you can be friends with Mr. Handsome now."

The words were barely out of her mouth when Ethan let out a delighted cheer, throwing his little arms around her in a tight hug. "Thank you, Mommy! Thanks! I love you so much!" he exclaimed as his small body vibrated with excitement. She pulled him closer, her chest tightening with emotion. She had spent so long keeping them apart, protecting their paternity, but seeing the pure joy on Ethan's face made her wonder if she had been wrong as Alexander had claimed. Ethan stepped back, his eyes bright with determination. "I'm going to tell Mr. Handsome the good news!" he said as he hurried to his little backpack. "He's my best friend, Mommy! And now he really can be my friend!"

Emma chuckled softly, watching her son's enthusiasm as tears stung her eyes. Ethan had always idolized Alexander without even knowing the truth about their bond.

He saw Alexander as a hero, a role model, someone to look up to and that was something Emma couldn't take away from him anymore..

She turned her gaze to Emily, who lay quietly on the couch as she watched the scenario in front of her. Though weaker than her brother, Emily's smile was just as bright, her tiny voice chiming in, "I want to see Mr. Handsome, too, Mommy." Emma's heart clenched at the sound of her daughter's voice. "Of course, sweetheart," she said, moving to sit beside her and brushing a strand of hair from her face. "We'll all go together."

Emily's hand reached out and grasped two of Emma's fingers. A soft smile appeared on her face. "Do you think he'll like my drawing?" she asked shyly, glancing at the picture on her small bed, which she had been working on for days. Emma smiled back, looking straight into her eyes. "He'll love it, baby. He'll absolutely adore it."