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.

chatting and drinking crowd, we spotted Tess, standing beside some of her friends. Seeing us, she

all of their friends

My eyes glanced around. My legs urged me to run. Go

croaked as she glanced at Dad. “When did our

took a glass of

rubbed Mom’s back while Tess rolled her eyes. “Mom, we’re just announcing our official engagement date. I’m

emotional.

there!” She pointed

gaze. Four men stood together, one

Is it… him?

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

a shaky breath. I needed air, I needed out.

was about to slip away, Tess called out

“Caleb?” 

steps halted.

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

of affection…

Tess got

ring made sense. ‘V’ for Valencian.

suddenly disappeared, filling it

asked, recognition flickered in his brown eyes. “Oh my G*d! It is the infamous Emerald Hutton who didn’t even

managed a

in a bear hug. And I couldn’t help but return his endearment. He was like a big brother

my shoulders. “Did anyone tell you what

grip around my

my sister, can I hug

“You know I only have my eyes on you,

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

Her gaze locked with mine. Something close to regret flashed in her eyes, and then something else which I couldn’t decipher.

“Emerald, I…”

for dance.” Caleb interrupted. His giving Tess a

her throat. She smiled and placed her hand on Caleb’s and together they skipped off to the dance floor. Mom and Dad got busy in conversation

went to say something. Excusing himself, he walked

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

Why did you say that?”

“Nothing. You need another drink?” He jutted his chin at my empty

I wanted to say, but decided to go against it.

he went to the bar to

wasn’t still that naive

the hair at the back of my neck stood up. Goosebumps pricked on my

around, I observed my surroundings. Nothing

did I feel like someone

the colorful lights moved around the mass of chattering people, my gaze 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

Who is he?

“Em?” 

in fright, I whirled

me,” Warner

I

“You okay?”

I’m fine. You just startled me,” I

Dance?” he asked, giving

for Tobias. And there he was, laughing with some girls with

smile, I took

want to be

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