Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 50 Jaden patiently waited in front of Emmas apartment , holding a bag full of groceries in one hand , his eyes lighting up the moment he saw her car pull into the driveway .

As the doors opened .

Emmas twins , Emily and Ethan , burst out of the car faces alight with unrestrained joy .

They ran to him with infectious excitement upon seeing him .

Uncle Jaden ! they screamed , and the quiet of the evening was blown to smithereens Jaden set the grocery bag down on the ground , kneeling just in time to catch the twins as they collided into his arms , embracing them with genuine warmth .

He held thein close , laughing as they wrapped their little arms around his neck .

filling him with a joy that felt strangely familiar yet new , like a home he never realized he missed .

Emma stood a few feet away , her eyes misting over as she watched .

She hadnt realized the sight of her children so openly happy , unguarded , and loved would affect her this way .

Moments like this had been so rare , slipping through her fingers I grains of sand .

Life had been so unfair to her and her kids , all thanks to her fate .

But today , seeing Jaden with them like th was something she hadnt noticed that they had missed for so many years .

She brushed away a tear , composing herself as she approached the happy trio .

Always the inquisitive one , Emily was quick to notice the grocery bag that Jaden had left lying by his feet .

Uncle Jaden , whats in the bag? she asked , her eyes wide with curiosity .

Jaden gave her a mischievous wink .

Oh , these are for the little surprise dinner that I have planned tonight .

Fm cooking on of my favorite dishes just for you , he said , looking at Emma with a warm , reassuring smile .

Emmas heart fluttered at the gentle kindness in his voice , the strange pull of his gaze , until she quickly looked away , surprised at the unexpected stir his presence created in her .

So much of her life she had been independent that this sudder gentleness from Jaden was both a comfort and a disturbance .

As they all trooped inside , Ethan tugged at Jadens sleeve , curiosity getting the better of him .

What are you cooking , Jaden ? Tell mel Uncle Jaden burst out laughing , as if it was the funniest thing he had ever heard Ah , but then it would not be a surprise , would it ? You need to wait and see ! Emily pouted , giving her best try at a sad face .

Please tell us , Ungle Jaden ! she whined , tugging playfully at his trousers .

Before Jaden could say anything .

Emma stepped forward , laying a soothing hand on her daughters shoulder .

Lets let Unci Jaden keep his surprise , hmm ? Im sure it will be well worth the wait , she said with a grateful smile thrown at Jaden Jaden grinned back , and for a nanosecond , their eyes met ; something she couldnt explain seemed to pass between them , racing Emmas heart.

She found herself wanting to burrow into the kindness and stability he seemed to exude , feelings she hadnt let herself feel in such a very , long time .

She was grateful for his help , and the distraction , excusing herself to slip into her room .

Being the CEO of W2 Holdings required constant attention , and shed long become accustomed to the late nights and constant demands it was there on top of her email ; the invitation to this years Aurora Honors event .

The Aurora Honors was no ordinary gala ; it was a prestigious gathering of the elite , a celebration attended by only the wealthiest , the most influential , the powerful few who shaped the world .

It had been sending her invitations since she took over W2 , but she had declined each one .

Attending had been painful reminders of the rejection and alienation she had felt from Alexander , her former husband , and from his circle , She had donated to the Aurora Honors for years instead of attending , staying away from the likes of Alexander .

Yet , as she stared at her screen , the invitation seemed to bring a gang of something different a longing to retrieve a part of herself she had tucked away .

She closed her laptop as the scents of spices and savory aroma wafted through the air , pulling her back to the present .

She felt the corners of her lips curve uprds in anticipation of Jadens mystery dish.

When she came back into the kitchen , Jaden was serving up the good with flair ; the twins were practically bouncing as they took their chairs .

The room was filled with laughter as together they ate , Jaden regaling the kids with ridiculous stories while 1/2 12:55 Tue , Dec 17 ti Chapter 50 Emma sat back , feeling a glow fill her heart in a way it hadnt in years .

+1 Later that night , after the twins had been long asleep , Jaden stayed , his eyes deep with some unspoken intent .

Then he turned to her , with a severity that quickened the beat of her heart .

Carol , he started , using the name shed told him to use .

Soft and tentative , his voice was .

Emma swallowed , her tone even .

You can call me Emma .

Im done with the alias ..

Alexander already knows everything .

! there was no reason to keep using the name .

A small smile overspread Jadens face as he repeated , Emma , the name sounding so good on his lips .

I know we met in a weird manner , and you still dont know a lot about me .

Honestly , I dont know all there is to know about you either .

But I want to .

I want to be there for you and the twins , closer to all of you .

He was silent for a moment , then heaved a deep breath .

Theres something you need to know … I am not just any regular guy .

My name is Jaden Fernando .

other Emmas jaw dropped as her mind whirled .

The Fernando family was one of the strongest names in the world , and he was one of them , standing in her living room .

Sure , shed guessed he came from money , but she hadnt thought he was one of those Fernandos .

Emma was speechless .

Jaden gave her a soft smile .

I didnt want you to know right away Its been refreshing to be with someone who doesnt see me as Jaden Fernando but just Jaden .

l reeling , Emma attempted to return a soft smile .

He took another step closer , his eyes looking straight into hers .

d like to take you out , Emma .

Somewhere special .

No expectations , just , ime together .

Emmas heart pounded as it had been so long since a man looked at her this sincerely .

The twins … Jaden raised a reassuring hand .

I love those kids , Emma .

This isnt only about you , its about them too .

Which is why .

He reached into his pocket and pulled out an invitation , holding it out to her .

Her breath caught on the familiar words etched on in gold : Aurora Honors .

The tips of her fingers were trembling as she took the invitation her gaze rising to the unrelenting smile on Jadens face .

Will you come with me , Emma ? he said , his voice low and inviting 曲