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.

is it?” he asked, turning

it’s just… it’s difficult to go that far from my family. Even if I stayed away for years. But still, I wish I could

your career. Once you get a good grip, maybe in future you can shift back in this

“Thank you

smiled and pecked my lips.

***

buzzed

go and grab our seats,” Tobias said, ushering me and Warner

coming to this game until my brother called this morning announcing his and Tess’s plan. Apparently, Caleb, Tess’s fiance didn’t get that much time to spend with me and Warner, so Tess thought it’d

no. Even though meeting my sister didn’t

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

horses were beautiful. I’d always wanted to ride

The race was about to start in five minutes. “Where are Tessa and Caleb? They should

“There they’re!” Tobias exclaimed.

stairs. In a yellow sundress and a matching hat, she looked stunning as ever.

was. In a black tank and leather jacket, paired with worn

the traffic,” 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

see you again. And don’t worry, you’re

I’m happy to see you here,” Tess said,

Caleb saw the act,

no time the race begun. Every one of the horses were extremely good and competitive. Their Jockeys were guiding them with brilliance. But the teeth and nail race was between two red and black horses. They both were

was any less good or beautiful. Because I just

it!” Tess yelled out beside me. She was also on my team, for the first time in our life. Where Tobias, Warner were encouraging a different one. And Caleb

one are you betting for?” I almost screamed over the

I know who is gonna win,”

from Tess’s elbow. She was leaping

is a winner,” he

know? It can be a different

that-” he pointed towards the horse that was now slightly ahead of the Cage. Even a white one now was giving them competition, “-is Achilles’s horse. He always

Ace’s horse? That means, he was

He was nowhere in the auditorium. But the owner of the horses, the bettors never sat at the auditorium with ordinary people.

with his proud chest and powerful broad shoulders with hands in pockets. Some other suited people stood behind him, watching the race to unfold. I couldn’t see where

thoroughly did justice to his

fisted my hands.

didn’t like that red horse at all. I’d rather support the white one as it now

continued to dance. Now I understood

Jordan. D**n,

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 Warner’s overhearing, I

And you didn’t

up at me, frowning

Tobias: Who?