Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 203 Silence settled into the car like an oppressive weight as they sped through the unfamiliar streets. The city was stunning in its own way but it was different from the world John had been raised. It was the neighbor of the average inccitizens and that made this journey felt off because the Jaden Fernando John knew would never live in a place like this.

Jaden Fernando was the life of the party, he was always in the glittering lights of nightclubs and the reckless, lavish lifestyle he had embraced since John could remember..

A humble neighborhood like this? It didn't fit him.

But as much as John wanted to question Mr. Kim's information, this wasn't the tto doubt the man's credibility. He had no other leads, no other options. John could only hope Kim knew what he was doing.

John took a slow breathe and then, he pulled out his phone, mindlessly scrolling in an attempt to distract himself. The first headline that flashed across his screen made his blood run cold.

'Breaking news, The Black Family Kidnapped." Without a second thought, John locked his phone and put it back in his pocket with his jaw tightening.

He didn't care. Not one damn bit.

Alexander Black, his wife, his entire perfect, powerful family, they could all burn in hell for all he cared. If they had been kidnapped, if they were in danger, if they were staring death in the face... so be it.

John wouldn't blink. He wouldn't spare them a moment of sympathy.

Because if it hadn't been for them, if it hadn't been for Emma Black in particular, Jaden would have never left in the first place.

John clenched his fists and he stared out of the window, watching mindlessly as the city blurred past.

He had always kept his distance from Jaden's relationship with Emma, never interfering, never speaking his mind. But that didn't mean he was blind to what had happened.

Jaden had been in love with her, deeply, undeniably, pathetically. And she had destroyed him.

At Jaden's lowest, at his most vulnerable, she had torn him apart, leaving behind nothing but the broken pieces of the man Jaden used to be.

And now, because of her, Jaden had disappeared.

Because of her, he was gone.

The Blacks didn't deserve pity.

They deserved everything that was coming for them.

"We are here, sir." Mr. Kim said as he pulled up the car.

John jerked back to the reality. He had been so deep in thought to even notice their arrival.

"Oh..." John trailed off as he began looking around, trying to take in the neighborhood. The neighborhood was qu houses were modest yet charming even though it was nothing like the grand estates and high rise penthouses John was accustomed to.

"This way." Mr. Kim gestured to the right.

3 John nodded, following closely behind. His heart was jumping around with each step they took.

John and Mr. Kim walked for a few minutes before stopping in front of a small cafe.

'BYE E CAFE was written in bold golden letter at the entrance of the cafe.

"Your brother is in there," Mr. Kim said professionally. "I'll wait here.

John took a deep breath, steadying himself. His palms had suddenly becsweaty, his nerves frayed, but he tried his possible best to stay strong As John stepped inside, a bell chimed, announcing his arrival. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and even this aromatic smell did little to case the tension in his heart.

A young girl behind the counter flashed him a professional smile. "Welcto Bye E Cafe. What can I get you?" John replied as he walked up to her. "I want my coffee strong. No sugar." "Okay." She nodded, turning to prepare his order.

As she moved, John leaned closer. "And by the way, young lady, I'm here to see someone. He goes by the nJaden." The girl froze immediately. For a brief moment, she studied him, her expression unreadable. Then, just as quickly, she went back to her task as if nothing had happened.

"We don't have anyone by that nhere, sir." She placed his coffee on the counter. "Here you go." John frowned, sensing her hesitation. "Please.... I'm his brother." She couldn't dare to look up as she replied. “You've got the address wrong." Her voice was firm, dismissive but her eyes tells a different story.

John sighed heavily, rubbing a hand over his face. He knew she was lying. He could feel it in the way she avoided his gaze, the way she rushed back to her work. Just as John was about to say more, a movement from the back of the café caught his attention.

Jaden.

John's breath hitched the moment their eyes met and for a micro second second, tseemed to freeze.

But then, without a word, Jaden turned sharply on his heel, making a beeline for the back exit.

John's heart dropped.

"Jaden, wait!" John shouted.

Without thinking, John dropped his coffee and ran after him. He caught Lex him. He the door just before Jaden could slam it shut. He gripped the edge firmly, forcing it open.

"Please," John pleaded for the first tin his life. His His voice raw With urgency. "I need to talk to you." Jaden's expression was ice-cold, his eyes devoid of the warmth they once held.

"I have nothing to say to you," he replied, his tone was as sharp as daggers. And with that, he threw the door shut.

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