Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter

83

His phone buzzed, jerking him out of his reverie. Emma's name danced across the screen. She called once, then again, and again

Jaden stared at the phone, his emotions a tangle of anger, regret, and something he couldn't quite name. But he didn't answer. He couldn't.

When the ringing finally ceased, leaving only an unsaid silence in its place, Jaden put down the phone and leaned backward, closing his eyes. Emma shook his world to the foundation, and he was still not ready to confront that fact-or himself. Not

now

A couple of minutes later, Jaden's phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen-it was his mother calling. He let out

resigned sigh before answering, already knowing the purpose of her call.

Jaden, darling. Good evening. Where are you? We're all here waiting for you," her warm, familiar voice filled the silence in

his room

"Tam not coming Jaden said quietly. Why should he lie, most especially to her? She was his mother, who had been the only one by his side through the high and the low of times.

for fny sake, Jaden," she called out softly with a soothing voice that

asked flatly, knowing what her answer

She had wanted her sons to make peace for so long, but the break between Jaden and

and the apparent heir, who had always felt threatened by Jaden's intelligence and magnetic personality. Their animosity was palpable,

home, jaden. I want to see your face," his mother said

out a heavy sigh and closed his eyes. "All right, Mom.

just how much he detested these family gatherings. Full well did the evidence of the Fernando family wealth stand out, but it seemed more like a gilded cage

conversation from the dining room ceased right at the moment he entered. His father's smile that had been there a few seconds ago disappeared the second

your girlfriend?" his father

exactly what you told me to do last night, Dad, Jaden replied nonchalantly, completely

on the table his voice rose

came here because of Mom. If this is how tonight's going to be. I'll leave

can meet her later. Juand cat

allowed himself to be guided back to the table. He sat down,

1/2

Tue,

Chapter 83

His three other brothers, loyal to Jake, had always kept their distance from Jaden, preferring to align themselves with the family's golden child. The hostility in

occasionally cast disapproving glances in his direction, while Jake wore a smug smirk as if relishing the tension. Jaden

when the meal was over, Jaden wasted no time excusing himself. He went to his car, anxious to get away from the oppressive atmosphere. Just as he reached for the ignition, a shadow fell beside his window. He looked up to see Jake standing beside his car,