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.

with sweat, his throat dry from unspoken words. He

She murmured as she

soon arrived, steam curling between them, but neither reached

so many questions neither was brave enough to ask. The silence stretched. Jaden could feel the awkwardness, the weight of everything. He shifted in his seat, his fingers tracing the edge of his cup as his mind

she looked down at her hands, fidgeting with nervousness. There was a slight tremble in

and wave upon entry, to act like all was well,

him now made the incidence from last

air between

herself to speak. "About last night,

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

Dec

Chapter 111

swept over her in a wave,

was

action or regret the moment vanished in

coffee, neither willing to break the silence in the air

they had emptied their cups, Emma stirred uneasily in her seat. She needed

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

out, his fingers wrapping gently around her wrist. His touch was firm, yet tender, and it stopped her in her

Frozen, she was unable to move, and then slowly

it always being to being there whenever he

loosened, but he

vulnerability. "I hope someday you'll understand how much you mean

widened, and her pulse quickened. "Jaden..." she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rush

desperately

kiss, Emma. Believe me, I came to your apartment last night because I wanted to tell you this. Ever since I laid my eyes

the air. The vulnerability in his eyes ripped at her defenses, he was offering