The Trap Of Ace

Read The Trap Of Ace [by Eva Zahan] Chapter 12 – I set the papers aside where my designs were printed on, and picked up my phone after it blared for the second time. A smile etched into my face seeing the caller ID.

“It took you a whole week to call me?”

“And it took you two rings to pick up the phone?”

I chuckled. “I was working on some designs. Anyway, what’s up with you? How’s the job going?”

Since Warner had left for Seattle for his new job and I returned to California, it was our first conversation in this whole week.

“You’re working on weekends? And yes, everything is going smooth. Life has never been this good. Though, the work is hard.”

“Glad to hear that,” I said. If only my life was a little better. “And yes, but it’s not official work. Just some of my ideas I needed to polish.”

“About office, how’s it going? I hope you still don’t have any problem staying in California, do you?” he asked. He didn’t know where I was working.

And what do I tell him? All of this was still so confusing to me.

“Office is good. I’ve to work here for at least three months until I decide to think of something else,” I replied, absentmindedly. Office was good because I hadn’t seen him in the whole three days. Never even once he visited after that day, when he ordered me to have lunch with him. Of course, I denied. And the nerve of him, he sent Carter again to the canteen to deliver me the food he got for lunch!

You should eat homemade food, canteen’s stuff isn’t good for health. It was the message I got with the food boxes.

And the embarrassment I felt with every pair of eyes on me out there was a whole lot different thing!

Though he didn’t come to the office for three days now, the food was always on time. At first, I gave them away to Liza and others, but then, well, I thought I shouldn’t push away food like that.

Okay fine! These dishes were heavenly. And now that I was home today, I missed it.

From what pieces of information I’d picked up from Liza and Caleb’s conversation, he was busy hunting a new house and renovating it. Why Achilles Valencian needed a house all of a sudden?

“I don’t understand what problem do you’ve staying in that city,” he mumbled. “Anyway, I will call you tonight. There’s a day out with my office colleagues today, so gotta go now. And, I miss you, Em. I wish you were here.”

I smiled. “I miss you too. Don’t worry, we’ll meet soon at Tess’s wedding, you’re coming, right? It’s in this end of this month.”

“Of course, how can I miss it? I’ll definitely be there.”

“Great. Alright, you go now. Talk to you later.”

“Alright, love you!”

***

The car screeched to a halt and I got out of the car. The decorated gate welcomed everyone who entered though with a big bold ‘Felicity Charity Event’ hung above. An even for some people to genuinely donate for the poor, and for some people a way to show off.

Dad and Tobias also piled out and walked to me. Our family has been donating to this foundation every year for the orphan kids for the last ten years. I used to attend this function every year in my childhood. And when I heard of it organizing another event today, I tagged along with Dad and Tobias.

Dad said, leading us inside

people roaming around and admiring the fine pieces of art that’s been exhibited around the

time they they’re holding it differently. They will put these canvases and pictures on auction and whoever wishes to donate, will buy them. Their money will directly go to the charity

way, I must say. This way more people who loves art will donate. And it will be good for those orphan

at those beauties.” He pointed to the beautiful canvases around.

I giggled. “I agree.”

the sea of people and arts. Beautiful arts that each demanded attention.

well, it felt they’d come alive at any moment. A small boy was gaping in wonder at a picture standing beside his mother where a crimson skinned dragon fumed ember flames through his nose and mouth, its eyes sparkled with rage and menace. On the other hand, a middle-aged man stared at the highlighted cleavage of a woman with half of face covered with her raven hair in

painting of a single rose, as crimson as blood, bloomed with its velvety petals spread around, a couple of rosebuds facing in directions

It was gorgeous.

of her floating on

brother. Thank G*d that the mermaid’s chest was covered with her hair. There were children

I

friend of his called him from

“I’ll be back!”

he strode to the group, I

presence behind me. And the wisp of the familiar cologne that tingled my nostrils had me frozen in my place. My heart stuttered

like it?” a deep voice rasped into my ear. An involuntary

whispered, not turning to him. His house hunting

why do I care if he was busy the whole week? Right, I

see, my Rosebud isn’t happy to see

frowned. “You didn’t answer my

closer. “Why do people come to events

feigning not to be affected by his close proximity. “Well, most of them come to

breath on my neck. The atmosphere suddenly rose higher in

did he just

Creep!

much more important things to do than wasting my time

able to bear the tension, I stepped away from his overwhelming presence and touch, sent him a glare and walked away with flushed cheeks.

the backyard of the building, under the open sky. Rows of chairs were lined

Was he already gone?

Good for me.

mike, snatching everyone’s attention to the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the ‘Felicity Charity Event’

auctioneer began calling for bids.

mermaid’s painting with a much higher price than him, where Dad was satisfied with a

the canvas of that blood rose got on the stage, I really wanted to bid for it. But well, my pockets weren’t full enough to do that. I could easily ask from Dad, but if I wanted

wants to hold onto this gorgeous velvety rose over here?” the auctioneer

dollars!” a man yelled out from

to take it home with a higher price?”

dollars!” shouted

Fifteen thousand dollars! Going