Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

11:19 Sat, 21 Dec Ki Chapter III

Chapter 111

The moment he read Emma's message, a flood of emotion took over his mind.

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He softly bit his bottom lip as memories of last night rushed through his head. The way she had crashed her lips against his had played in his head on an endless loop all night. He had tossed and turned, haunted by the feel of her touch.

Even now, he could hardly believe he had stopped himself. His heart had screamed to give her what she wanted. But the desire to protect her, even from himself, had held him back. And for that, he was grateful. Emma deserved so much more.

He exhaled deeply as he rose to his feet, grabbed his phone, adjusted his tie, and walked out of his office.

His heart was racing in his chest as he slid behind the wheel of his car. She had messaged him to meet her at a coffee shop. Without any hesitation, he sped off.

He arrived, and the coffee shop was mostly empty. He took a deep breath and walked in.

The smell of roasted beans and freshly baked pastries filled his nostrils. He chose a table at the dark corner of the room; his leg bounced with nervous energy as he waited for her. His gaze kept darting toward the door every few seconds. Then Emma appeared. Emma walked in, her presence as beautiful as ever.

She was putting on a simple black sundress that barely skimmed her knees.

The gown flowed with such ease around her.

Her skin was smooth, glowing, and blemishless. When finally her gaze found him, they brightened up.

She lifted a hand and waved at him. Her gesture was full of grace. Jaden's heart twisted hard in his chest.

The feelings he had locked away for so long were now battling him. That smile, that simple gesture, started to crumble his carefully built restraint.

were slick with sweat, his throat dry from unspoken

She murmured as

cups soon arrived, steam curling between them, but neither reached to

everything. He shifted in his seat, his fingers tracing the edge of his cup as his mind searched

fidgeting

to act like all was well, but on the inside, she

this close to him now made the incidence from

air between

took a deep breath, forcing herself to speak. "About last night,

"It's okay. You don't have to

Dec

Chapter 111

wave, and she let out

was all he

her action or regret the

sipped their coffee, neither willing to break the

stirred uneasily in her seat. She

things to attend to. Thanks for coming," she murmured, her voice too polite. She shoved her chair backward and

turned, Jaden's hand shot out, his fingers wrapping gently around her wrist.

unable to move, and then slowly turned to

again, she saw it. The emotion burning in his eyes was one she knew far too well, as it always

her wrist loosened, but he didn't

"I hope someday you'll understand how much you mean to

widened, and her pulse quickened. "Jaden..." she whispered, her voice barely

desperately against

head slowly, his eyes never leaving hers. "This isn't about the kiss, Emma. Believe me, I came to your apartment last night because I wanted to tell you this. Ever since I laid my eyes on you, I haven't been

words hung raw and honest in the air. The vulnerability in his eyes ripped at her defenses, he was offering her his heart, something no man