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.

sake, Jaden," she called out softly with a soothing

Jake?" he asked flatly, knowing what her

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

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

to see your face," his mother

let out a heavy sigh and closed his eyes. "All right, Mom. Less than thirty

he eventually got to his parents' estate house, the 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 family wealth stand out, but it seemed

The hum of conversation from the dining room ceased right at the moment he entered. His father's smile that had been

your girlfriend?" his father inquired. His eyebrows

Dad, Jaden replied nonchalantly,

father's face darkened, and he slammed his fist on the table his voice rose

of Mom. If this is how tonight's going to be. I'll leave right now. He turned to walk out, but his mother rushed to him grabbing his wrist.

later. Juand cat she implored, quiet

table. He

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Tue,

Chapter 83

Jaden, preferring to align themselves with the family's golden

the silence between bites louder than any words. His father occasionally cast disapproving glances in his direction, while Jake wore a smug smirk as if relishing the tension. Jaden ate in silence, unwilling to give them the satisfaction of seeing

from the oppressive atmosphere. Just as he reached for the ignition, a shadow fell beside his window. He looked up to