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.
He stood as she approached. The palms of his hands were slick with sweat, his throat dry from unspoken words. He pulled out her chair for her.
Thank you.” She murmured as she sat.
They ordered coffee. The cups soon arrived, steam curling between them, but neither reached to drink yet.
Their eyes met, cautious glances filled with 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 searched for the right thing to say. The memories of her tears, of her pain, filled his head.
Emma’s smile faltered, and she looked down at her hands, fidgeting with nervousness. There was a slight tremble in her fingers.
She had made herself smile and wave upon entry, to act like all was well, but on the inside, she was shaking.
Being this close to him now made the incidence from last night way more awkward.
The air between them felt charged.
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to speak. “About last night, I’m…”
Jaden’s voice cut in softly. “It’s okay. You don’t have to apologize.”
Dec
Chapter 111
Relief swept over her in a wave, and she let out a soft sigh.
His gentle reassurance was all he needed.
Fear that he would judge her by her action or regret the moment vanished in an instant.
The silence rose between them once again. They sipped their coffee, neither willing to break the silence in the air as both of them were lost in their thoughts.
Finally, when they had emptied their cups, Emma stirred uneasily in her seat. She needed to leave since everything had been settled.
have other things to attend to. Thanks for coming,” she murmured, her voice too polite. She shoved her chair backward and stood, ready to walk away
But just as she turned, Jaden’s hand shot out, his fingers wrapping gently around her wrist. His touch was firm, yet tender, and it stopped her in her tracks.
Her heart jumped. Frozen, she was unable to move, and then slowly turned to face him.
Their eyes met, and again, she saw 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 revealed who she was to him and others.
Jaden’s grip on her wrist loosened, but he didn’t let go. He exhaled softly.
His voice came low, laced with vulnerability. “I hope someday you’ll understand how much you mean to me.”
Her eyes widened, and her pulse quickened. “Jaden…” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rush of blood in her
ears.
Her heart pounded desperately against her ribcage.
He 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 my everything, Emma. And I would love to be your sun, the one who lights up your world.”
His words hung raw and honest in the air. The vulnerability in his eyes ripped at her defenses, he was offering her his heart, something no man had ever done for her before.
Her voice came out in a tremble, “Jaden…
His smile was tender, his eyes shadowed by the depth of emotion. “You don’t have to say anything now. Take your time as much time as you need. I’ll wait. My feelings for you won’t change.”
Slowly, painfully, he released her wrist. The lack of his touch left a hollow ache in her chest.
Emma walked away, but each step felt heavier than the last.
Her cheeks aflame, her heart hammering wildly, and her brain a whirlwind of confusion and longing.
4 Outside, she took a shaky breath as if to calm the storm inside. Jaden’s words echoed in her head, searing into her heart. He had confessed his love to her, and though she had tried to keep their relationship confined to friendship, to keep her heart safe, his confession had shattered those walls.
Her fingers brushed over her wrist where his hand had been. She could still feel the warmth of his touch.
She wanted to be pampered too. She wanted to be defended too. Memories of how Alexander has wrapped his hand around
11:19 Sat, 21 Dec 6
Chapter 111
Annie flashed in her head once more and she couldn’t help the jealousy that filled her heart.
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Screw it! There was nothing more to think about. She knew what she wanted. She knew what her heart ached for and if Jaden is the one that is going to give her the love that she had always desired, then so be it. She rushed back into the shop Her heart beating a thousand times over.
She crashed into Jaden, who was now heading out too, and immediately wrapped her arms around his waist.
Looking up into Jaden’s confused expression, Emma replied, “I’m ready to be your girlfriend.”
