Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 122

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She exited the car, momentarily blinded by the sounds of flashing cameras. The press was relentless; their lenses captured every moment, every movement. Jaden stood by the door, his hand outstretched to guide her. His grip firm yet soft as he guided her toward the

restaurant entrance, a picture-perfect couple under the scrutiny of innumerable eyes.

The restaurant was among the hottest spots in town, boasting celebrity clientele and a frenzy of media attention. Jaden had deliberately chosen it. Their names had headlined news reports for days on end, and he wasn't about to let that stop now. especially not with Jake breathing down his neck. As they walked in, Emma could feel the weight of the world press down upon her shoulders. She was not used to this much attention: staring, whispering, continuous flashes, so overwhelming. But Jaden was cool and composed; his hand never left hers.

Inside, the restaurant was exquisite as they stepped in, a complete opposite of the frenzy that lay outside. Jaden pulled out a chair for Emma, and his smile was warm as he leaned down to plant a quick kiss on her cheek. A small gesture, yet one that rippled a wave of warmth through her.

Jaden sat down opposite her, his heart heavy behind the polished facade. The altercation a few days ago with Jake had been ugly, wounds reopened, accusations hurled as if knives. Their mother had tried to mediate, but Jaden refused to face her. knowing her disappointment would cut deeper than any of Jake's words. He wanted peace, but Jake seemed hell-bent on tearing him down, dragging their past into the present like a dead weight.

Jaden's chest constricted as his mind shot back to Jake's threat. What if Emma finds out? The question haunted him, a relentless whisper at the back of his mind. Five years ago, everything had spiraled out of control, and while he hadn't been at fault, the blame had fallen squarely on his shoulders. That he had changed, that he'd spent years trying to rebuild himself, didn't matter. No matter how much he appeared to try and outrun it, the past still seemed to stain all him.

He watched Emma scan the menu, her face aglow from the soft light of the restaurant. Her smile soothed his aching heart; she had given him an opportunity when the odds had been against him, against her past, against his, and he did not know how he had earned such luck, but he sure was not going to let go of her and the fragile happiness they are trying to build together.

arrived, Jaden cut a bit of steak and leaned over the table, holding the piece

"You're spoiling me," she teased, but her eyes held a tenderness that made Jaden's heart

What would she do if she knew? The question ripped at him. Emma and her children were his entire world now. He was willing to sacrifice everything for them, to protect them at all costs. But the specter of his past

me want to be better," he admitted, his voice low, solemn. Emma cocked her head to one side; her gaze searched his,

haze of laughter and

clinking glasses, but for Emma and Jaden, the world outside their little bubble didn't exist. They laughed, shared

lights twinkled like a thousand little stars, and the shine reflected the glow of happiness that shone

apartment, Jaden parked and walked to her door, always a gentleman, to open it for her. He held his hand out, lifting her as if she was the most fragile

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Dec 31

Chapter 122

his, and a soft laugh

felt charged, heavy with unspoken feelings that had been building all night. Their smiles mirrored each other's, wide and unrestrained.

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if an invisible string tugged, Jaden leaned forward. His eyes flickered down to her lips, and Emma's breath caught in her throat. The world seemed to