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.

called out softly with a soothing voice

flatly, knowing what her answer

She had wanted her sons to make peace for so long, but the

the fourth 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

I want to see your face," his mother said softly, her

heavy sigh and closed his

dread-the reminder of just how much he detested these family gatherings. Full

right at the moment he entered. His father's smile that had been there a few seconds ago disappeared the second he noticed

your girlfriend?" his father inquired. His eyebrows creased in

Jaden replied nonchalantly, completely

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

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

later. Juand cat she

to the table. He sat

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Tue, Dec

Chapter 83

him. His three other brothers, loyal to Jake, had always kept their distance from Jaden, preferring to align themselves with the

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

get away from the oppressive atmosphere. Just as he reached for the ignition, a