Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 83 His phone buzzed , jerking him out of his reverie .

Emmas name danced across the screen .

She called once , then again , and again Jaden stared at the phone , his emotions a tangle of anger , regret , and something he couldnt quite name .

But he didnt answer .

He couldnt .

When the ringing finally ceased , leaving only an unsaid silence in its place , Jaden put down the phone and leaned backward , closing his eyes .

Emma shook his world to the foundation , and he was still not ready to confront that fact or himself .

Not now A couple of minutes later , Jadens phone buzzed on the table .

He glanced at the screen it was his mother calling .

He let out resigned sigh before answering , already knowing the purpose of her call .

Jaden , darling .

Good evening .

Where are you ? Were all here waiting for you , her warm , familiar voice filled the silence in his room Tam not coming Jaden said quietly .

Why should he lie , most especially to her ? She was his mother , who had been the only one by his side through the high and the low of times .

Please … for fny sake , Jaden , she called out softly with a soothing voice that pleaded with him .

I made your favorite dinner .

And Jake ? he asked flatly , knowing what her answer would be .

Hes here , she admitted , her words dripping in sadness .

She had wanted her sons to make peace for so long , but the break between Jaden and his oldest brother , Jake Fernando , seemed impossible to breach .

Jaden was the fourth son in the Fernando family , but he had never gotten along well with Jake .

Jake was the eldest and the apparent heir , who had always felt threatened by Jadens intelligence and magnetic personality .

Their animosity was palpable , even at family gatherings .

Come home , jaden .

I want to see your face , his mother said softly , her voice almost breaking .

Jaden let out a heavy sigh and closed his eyes .

All right , Mom .

Less than thirty minutes .

when he eventually got to his parents estate house , the four expensive cars aligned neatly in the driveway served him at fresh dose of dread the reminder of just how much he detested these family gatherings .

Full well did the evidence of the Fernando family wealth stand out , but it seemed more like a gilded cage to him .

Steeling himself , he entered the grand sitting room .

The hum of conversation from the dining room ceased right at the moment he entered .

His fathers smile that had been there a few seconds ago disappeared the second he noticed Jaden was alone .

Where is your girlfriend ? his father inquired .

His eyebrows creased in annoyance .

I did exactly what you told me to do last night , Dad , Jaden replied nonchalantly , completely disregarding the tension in the room .

I dropped her like you wanted .

His fathers face darkened , and he slammed his fist on the table his voice rose in anger .

Im sure you dont want to go down this road with me , son Jaden stool his ground , his voice calm but firm .

I came here because of Mom .

If this is how tonights going to be .

Ill leave right now .

He turned to walk out , but his mother rushed to him grabbing his wrist .

Please , Jaden Stay .

sit We can meet her later .

Juand cat she implored , quiet desperation in her eyes .

Reluctantly , Jaden allowed himself to be guided back to the table .

He sat down , feeling the weight of five pairs of eyes glaring 1/2 21 18 Tue , Dec 17 Chapter 83 at him .

His three other brothers , loyal to Jake , had always kept their distance from Jaden , preferring to align themselves with the familys golden child .

The hostility in their stares was palpable , but Jaden stared back , unbothered .

Dinner was a strained affair , the silence between bites louder than any words .

His father occasionally cast disapproving glances in his direction , while Jake wore a smug smirk as if relishing the tension .

Jaden ate in silence , unwilling to give them the satisfaction of seeing him react .

Finally , when the meal was over , Jaden wasted no time excusing himself .

He went to his car , anxious to get away from the oppressive atmosphere .

Just as he reached for the ignition , a shadow fell beside his window .

He looked up to see Jake standing beside his car , his face cold and calculating .

You need to tread carefully , boy , Jake said in a low , threatening voice .

Jaden rolled his eyes and started the car .

I dont want to talk to you .

But Jake leaned in , unperturbed .

I know what youre doing .

You think you can play the long game and get Father to look at you with hope , but I see right through your little schemes .

Let me tell you something .

Jaden no one loves you .

Not here , not anywhere .

And that woman youre hanging onto ? Shell leave you the second she realizes youre just a player The words stung more than Jaden had thought they would , but he refused to let Jake know that .

Saying nothing else .

he hit the accelerator and took off , leaving his brother in the background .

The anger and hurt bubbled inside him as he drove aimlessly through the city streets .

Jakes words replayed in his mind .

each word cutting deeper than the last .

No one loves you .

It wasnt the first time hed heard it , but tonight , it felt heavier .

Before he knew it , he was driving to a poorly lit parking in front of a dim lit bar .

Entering the facility , the booze and old- smoke like odor hugged him almost consolingly .

Getting hold of a stool , ordering one , then another he wanted to try to drowning bitterness close to getting a grip on him But no matter how much he drank , Jakes words lingered , and the image of Emma haunted him .

For the first time in a long while , Jaden felt truly alone .

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