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 pleaded

flatly, knowing what her answer

sadness. She had wanted her sons to make peace for so long, but the break between Jaden and his oldest brother, Jake Fernando, seemed impossible to

son in the Fernando family, but he had never gotten along well with Jake. Jake was the eldest and the apparent heir, who had always felt threatened by Jaden's intelligence and magnetic personality. Their animosity was palpable, even at family

jaden. I want to see your face," his

let out a heavy sigh and closed his

four expensive cars aligned neatly in the driveway served him at fresh dose of dread-the reminder of just how much he detested these family gatherings. Full well did the evidence of the Fernando

the grand sitting room. The hum of 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 he noticed

girlfriend?" his father inquired.

replied nonchalantly, completely disregarding the tension in the room.

slammed his fist on the table his voice rose in anger. I'm

Mom. If this is how tonight's going to be. I'll leave right now. He turned to walk

can meet her later. Juand cat she

to the table. He sat down, feeling the weight of five pairs of eyes

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Chapter 83

distance from Jaden, preferring to align themselves with the family's golden child. The hostility in their stares was palpable, but Jaden stared

louder than any words. His father occasionally cast disapproving glances in his direction, while Jake wore a smug smirk as if relishing the

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