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.

what is it?” he asked,

that far from my family. Even if I stayed away for years. But still, I wish I could stay here with them.” But

grip, maybe in future you can shift back in this city. And it’s not that you won’t visit them time to time. And they can also go and see you there. So, don’t worry, okay? Everything will

his hand. “Thank you for being always there

smiled and pecked my lips.

***

they?” I asked, adjusting my cap from the scorching sun. People buzzed with excitement around

worry. Let’s just go and grab

brother called this morning announcing his and Tess’s plan. Apparently, Caleb, Tess’s fiance didn’t get that much time to spend with

was too excited for me to say no. Even though meeting my sister didn’t appeal me that much, saying no would’ve been rude to Caleb.

at the side, far from the auditorium. Their jockeys were preparing themselves and checking their horses to see if everything was alright. Their neighs

Those horses were beautiful. I’d always wanted to ride one,

five minutes. “Where are Tessa and Caleb? They

“There they’re!” Tobias exclaimed.

and a matching hat, she looked stunning as ever. And Caleb chose

here I was. In a black tank and leather jacket, paired with worn out shorts and sneakers,

Caleb apologized, greeting Tobias with a side hug. And the same with Warner, but when it came to my turn, he engulfed me in a tight bear hug. “I’m glad that

“It’s great to see you again. And don’t worry, you’re not late.

see you here,” Tess said, giving me a

Caleb saw the act, but didn’t comment on

and competitive. Their Jockeys were guiding them with

the red one, Jordan. Not because the black one, Cage was any less good or beautiful. Because I just happened to love the color,

team, for the first time in our life. Where Tobias, Warner were encouraging a different one. And Caleb just watched all of it

betting for?” I almost screamed

know who is gonna

from Tess’s elbow. She

He is a winner,”

do you know? It can be a

towards the horse that was now slightly ahead of the Cage. Even a white one now was giving them

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

pulsed, eyes looking around. He was nowhere in the auditorium. But the owner of the horses, the bettors

even higher with his proud chest and powerful broad shoulders with hands in pockets. Some

name thoroughly did justice to his

shook my head and fisted my hands. Get to your

wouldn’t have come. Now I didn’t like that red horse at all. I’d rather support the white one as it now passed the black one,

to dance. Now I understood why she was

Jordan. D**n, he was good,” commented Warner, while

definitely knew Ace was gonna present here, but he didn’t even think of informing me. Noticing my glare, he raised a brow. To avoid

And you didn’t care to

frowning and then went

Tobias: Who?