The Trap Of Ace

Read The Trap Of Ace [by Eva Zahan] Chapter 4 – I cleared my throat, catching everyone’s attention around the table. The noise of their cutleries and spoons stopped along.

I knew what I was about to say would upset them. But it’d to be done. So taking a deep breath, I said, “I’m leaving for NY this Friday.”

Silence. The shock on Tobias’s face and sadness that formed over my parents’ were clear.

“But we thought as your college is finished now, you’d stay with us again from now on.” Dad’s forehead creased. Mom agreed with him.

“No Dad. I’m not a kid anymore. I can’t just c***h here just because my college is over. It’s time to build my career. So I’ve to go back,” I clarified.

“But what’s wrong with California? You could easily get any job here,” Mom argued. “If you want your privacy, honey, then it’s alright. But if you look for a job here, at least you can stay close to us.” Her voice broke.

“Why don’t you help Tobias in our own company?” Dad suggested, and my brother bobbed his head eagerly.

“Yes, in that you won’t have to work under anyone. You’ll have a free will in your own company. You don’t need to leave, Em.”

“Dad, Tobias, how many times do I have to tell you that I want to do something on my own? I want to prove myself that I can stand on my feet without anyone’s support. I’m extremely grateful to have you guys care for me. But- I can’t work in our company. Maybe in the future, but not now.”

What I said was true. I wanted to do something on my own ability. But it wasn’t the main reason for me to leave right now.

“Alright, if you want to work somewhere else, it’s fine by us. But you don’t have to go that far from us, honey. You could look out for jobs staying here, near us,” said Mom. Guilt washed over me for hurting her like that. But if I stayed here, I wouldn’t be able to take care of my heart.

“I’m sorry, Mom. Staying all these years over there, my plans are revolving all around NY. And I’d reconsider my plans if I already hadn’t been called for interviews next week.”

I’d two interviews from two prestigious textile companies in NY. And I couldn’t miss them even if I wanted.

“And these companies who called me for interviews, they’ve been my dream place to work at. So, I’ve to go this Friday. I’m sorry.”

Dad sighed and placed a hand on Mom’s, comforting her. “If that’s what you want, princess. We won’t stop you. We’re happy if you’re. But if by any chance you change your plans, let us know.”

I nodded, relieved that he understood. “Thank you, Dad. But don’t worry, I will visit time to time to see you guys.”

“But what about Tess’s engagement? You can’t miss that,” Tobias stated.

“It’s in next month. Nothing to worry, I will figure something out when time comes,” I assured him. But he didn’t look pleased at all. Honestly, I didn’t want to go away from them again. But I didn’t have any choice.

***

A knock landed on my door, and Warner poked his head in. “You busy?”

“No really. Just checking some emails,” I answered. Placing the laptop on the bed from my lap, I turned to him. “How did your dinner go with your cousin?”

He shrugged. “Good. Just as usual. You tell me, how did your talk go with your family?”

A sigh left my lips. “They weren’t happy. But they also know that I’m not gonna budge from my decision.”

I glanced outside the window, gazing at the starry night.

it?” he asked,

my throat tightening. “Nothing, it’s just… it’s difficult to go that far from my family. Even if I stayed

you can shift back in this city. And it’s

hand. “Thank you for being always there for

pecked my lips. “Anything

***

the scorching sun. People buzzed with

go

horse racing. I didn’t know we were coming to this game until my brother called this morning announcing his and Tess’s plan. Apparently,

to come, but Warner was too excited for me to say no. Even though meeting my sister didn’t appeal me that

we waited for the couple to arrive and the race to start. At least thirty or thirty five horses were lined up at the side, far from the auditorium. Their jockeys were preparing themselves and checking their horses to see if everything

smile stretched at the side of my lips. Those horses were beautiful. I’d always wanted to ride one, but didn’t get the

brought popcorn and drinks for us, the announcement blared across. The race was about to start in five minutes. “Where are Tessa and Caleb? They should be here by now.” He moved

“There they’re!” Tobias exclaimed.

stairs. In a yellow sundress and a matching hat, she looked stunning as ever. And Caleb chose to

jacket, paired with worn out shorts and sneakers, I didn’t even try to doll up a

came to my turn, he engulfed me in a tight bear hug. “I’m glad that you came, Em. Finally I will get to spend some time with my would be sister-in-law and long lost

to see you again. And don’t worry, you’re not late. The race is about to

happy to see you here,” Tess said,

saw the act, but

were guiding them with brilliance. But the teeth and

Not because the black one, Cage was any less good or beautiful. Because I just

was also on my team, for the first

are you betting for?” I almost

gonna

one?” I ducked away from Tess’s elbow. She was leaping

is a winner,” he

can be a different one this

because my cousin never loses. And that-” he pointed towards the horse that was now slightly ahead of the Cage. Even a white one now was giving

in surprise. Ace’s horse? That means, he

pulsed, eyes looking around. He was nowhere in the auditorium. But the owner of the horses, the bettors never sat at the auditorium with ordinary people. Then my

the V.I.P section, shielded by glass, he stood even higher with his proud chest and powerful broad shoulders with hands in pockets.

name thoroughly did

head and fisted my hands. Get to

was gonna be here. Otherwise I wouldn’t have come. Now I didn’t like that red horse at

Now I understood why she was

would surpass Jordan. D**n, he was good,”

Ace was gonna present here, but he didn’t even think of informing me. Noticing my

is here. And you didn’t

frowning and then went to

Tobias: Who?