The Trap Of Ace

Chapter 2

Read The Trap Of Ace [by Eva Zahan] Chapter 2 – A knock landed on the door. “You ready, honey? Your Dad is waiting downstairs.”

“Yeah, Mom. Just give a minute,” I replied, staring at my reflection in the mirror. 

“Alright, come soon.” 

I ran my palm over the red material clung against my skin. It felt smooth. Everything was perfect. The nude make-up, the simple side-parted long hair, the off shoulder gown with a sweetheart neckline and a semi-high slit at the side, everything was in place. 

“I’m ready,” I whispered at my reflection, and those big turquoise eyes of her stared back.

Grabbing my black clutch, I smoothed my hair once again and sauntered downstairs.

Warner met me at the door. His mouth fell open, his light blue eyes looking up and down my body. “Holy s**t! You’re looking…” He shook his head. “I’ve no words.”

I stretched my lips into a smile. “Thanks. You don’t look that bad yourself.” 

He did look good in his three piece suit and tie. 

“Shall we?” I asked.

“Sure! G*d knows, no one can take their eyes off of you tonight.” Grinning, he gave me an arm, and I took it.

Once outside, we met Mom adjusting Dad’s tie as he grunted something. His face turned grim, spotting us together. After Mom gushed about my looks and being proud that I went after her, we all piled in the car. Though her subtle attempt of asking me if I was feeling good after I left the dinner in the middle, excusing of my jet lag last night. I knew what she wanted to ensure, if I was okay, not physically, but emotionally.

Everyone had avoided talking about the engagement as much as possible before me. They thought it could upset me as they all had an idea of my heartbreak seven years ago. Not all of it though. They weren’t aware of what happened that night. But they didn’t know I wasn’t the fifteen years old Emerald anymore.

I was going to face the man who broke my heart years ago, and see him announce his engagement with my sister before the world. But I was alright. It’s been years since then. I had a boyfriend, I’d moved on.

After last night, I hadn’t seen her. And honestly, I didn’t want to. Even if I didn’t care anymore, I still felt the anger and betrayal I felt that night. After knowing everything, how could she come and announce her engagement to me as if nothing happened?

How could she…

I shook myself, not wanting to remember the past. I was stronger now. The past should remain in the past. And I should be happy for her. It’s been years after all.

And I’ve overcome the past. It didn’t affect me now. Not at all.

The car screeched to a halt, along with my heart. Mom and Dad got out, and Warner followed behind. 

We were here.

“Em?” Warner called out, waiting for me outside.

Deep breaths came out of me, my hands fisted my gown at my knees. Heart palpitating down the chest, my mouth turned dry. A drop of sweat trickled down my nape.

It was slipping. The calm facade, it was slipping from my control.

“Honey? Come on, Tessa is waiting for us inside,” Mom probed.

I can do it. Nothing happened. I’ve moved on.

Giving her a tight nod, I gritted my teeth and scrambled out with shaky knees. I caught Warner’s arm in a vice grip as my eyes fell on the huge mansion I didn’t remember when I last visited. 

“You alright? You look a little pale,” Warner asked as we crossed the threshold. The line I shouldn’t cross.

“I’m fine.” My nails dug into my palms.

“Are you sure?”

I nodded, clutching him harder. He winced, but didn’t ask any further. And I was grateful for that.

I let him drag me across the mass of people dressed in sophisticated and branded clothes. The vast hall was sufficient to gulp the massive crowd alone. Everything was decorated the way a party of one of the most influential families should be. Elegant yet dazzling.

crowd, we spotted Tess, standing beside some of her friends. Seeing us, she excused herself and rushed to us, the tail of her silvery sparkling gown

friends were

run. Go back to the safety of my room where someone couldn’t reach me. Someone whom I buried at the

croaked as she glanced at Dad. “When did our daughter get so big, Wilson? Look at

from her ring, and took a glass of wine from a passing waiter. My hand

eyes. “Mom, we’re just announcing our

a little emotional. Anyway, where is your fiance?” Dad

over there!” She pointed near the bar. And

steadily, I followed everyone’s gaze. Four men stood together, one of them stood with

Is it… him?

tall and lean than I last remembered. Seven years. After seven years, I will come to him face to face. I will have

out a shaky breath. I needed air, I

about to slip away, Tess

“Caleb?” 

halted. Caleb?

at the direction as that man turned around and a broad grin lightened his face. Striding closer, he kissed on Tess’s cheek and greeted Mom

at each other’s eyes with full of affection… I blinked, a silent gasp slipped

Tess got engaged

‘V’ in her ring made

suddenly disappeared,

flickered in his brown eyes. “Oh my G*d! It is the infamous Emerald Hutton who didn’t even give a call to this poor

managed a smile. “Hey,

in a bear hug. And I couldn’t help but return his endearment. He was like a big brother to me. But in the process of distancing myself with him, I cut ties with

on my shoulders. “Did anyone tell you what a beautiful woman you’ve grown up

The grip around my glass remained

flirting with my sister, can I hug her now?” Tess

on her temple. “You know I only have my eyes on

her eyes, she pushed him away and threw her arms around me. “You’re

I said. Her gaze locked with mine. Something close to regret flashed in her

“Emerald, I…”

time for dance.” Caleb interrupted. His giving Tess a

throat. She smiled and placed her hand on Caleb’s and together they skipped off

middle as he went to say something. Excusing himself, he walked away to attend the

noticed my wary glances around. My uneasiness. “Relax,

Why did you say that?” I feigned

head. “Nothing. You need another drink?” He jutted his

say, but

the bar to get

for support. I could deal with it alone. I wasn’t still that naive teenager

back of my neck stood up. Goosebumps

I observed my

did I feel like someone

went to the first floor and stuck there. At the furthest corner, a figure stood there; his face in the shadow. Hands in his pockets, he stood unmoving, his body facing mine. Even if I couldn’t see his face, I could tell he was looking at me. And for some reason, it unnerved me. Even then, I couldn’t

Who is he?

“Em?” 

I

Relax, it’s just me,” Warner said, putting his hands

a sigh of relief, I

“You okay?”

fine. You just startled me,” I replied, wetting my

Dance?” he asked, giving

there he was, laughing with some girls with two glasses still in his hands. I shook my head

small smile, I took his

to be alone right now.

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