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

She murmured

steam curling between them,

everything. He shifted in his seat, his

and she looked down at her hands, fidgeting with nervousness. There was a

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

made the

between them felt

breath, forcing herself to

cut in softly. "It's okay. You don't

Dec

Chapter 111

a wave, and she let out

gentle reassurance was

judge her by her action or regret the moment vanished in an

between them once again. They sipped their coffee, neither willing to break the silence in the air as both of them were

their cups, Emma stirred uneasily in her

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

out, his fingers wrapping gently around her wrist. His touch was

Frozen, she was unable to move, and then slowly turned to

it. The emotion burning in his eyes was one she knew far too well, as it always being to being there whenever he looked at her. Long before the night she

on her wrist loosened, but he didn't let go. He

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

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

desperately against her

shook his 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 able to think straight. You've become

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