The Trap Of Ace

Read The Trap Of Ace [by Eva Zahan] Chapter 45 – “I didn’t know you were so eager to ruin your sister’s rehearsal dinner. Inviting your ex and present lover at the same time? And when the lover is a fiercely possessive one,” Casie tasked, glancing behind me.

My heart skipped a beat. Swirling around, I found Warner strolling in the backyard. Noticing him, Tess and Caleb walked up to him, giving him welcoming hugs.

Sighing, I turned back.

“What’s with the sullen face?” she asked, the side of her lips tugged up into a devilish smirk. “Expected someone else?”

Glaring at her, I took a sip on my lemonade.

It’s been an hour we’d arrived at Tess’s rehearsal dinner at Valencian Mansion. A BBQ party was held in the vast backyard of the mansion before the dinner. The trees were lit with fairy lights and a small bonfire was set in the middle. While Mom, Dad and some of our uncle and aunts sat around the fire to keep themselves warm in the early winter night, Tess, Tobias, Caleb and their friends took care of the BBQ meats.

It was just more like a small get-together with close family and friends than a rehearsal dinner. Tess didn’t want it to be a formal event, she wanted to have some cool time with everyone.

Though I was happy with her decision, I even had a polite conversation with her after arriving here, I couldn’t help but feel bored.

Well, worried to be exact.

There was no sight of him yet. And I could understand why. Coming to the house he’d faced so many hurdles in his childhood wasn’t an easy thing to do.

Tess and Caleb had their new home not far from ours ready to shift after their marriage. And after the ceremony, they’ll leave this mansion to their new home for a new start. The main reason for them to keep this dinner over here, they wanted to spend some quality time before they left this place. And I couldn’t be mad at them for that.

But that didn’t make his pain any less. Already two times he’d come here for me. But I didn’t know if he could do it again and again.

So even if I dreaded of the outcome once Ace finds Warner here, I was more concerned of his state of mind right now. My hands itched to call him, but I just kept them in control.

I was mad at him, right? I couldn’t just call him to ask if he was alright. He’d think I forgot everything and forgave him. Which I didn’t.

Well, not yet…

“Can you stop getting lost into his thoughts? Just call him and get over with it.” She rolled her smokey eyes which went well with her black cocktail dress and high heels. “You’re not even talking to me properly. Are you ignoring me here?”

Turning away from her, I leaned against the small drink bar situated not far from the bonfire. “I’m not lost into his thoughts. And yes, I’m ignoring you. You just realized that? Now why’d I talk to a friend who joins hands with the enemy.”

“Enemy?” Her brows crinkled.

“Uh-huh. Enemy.” I threw her a look. “You told Ace about me and Warner’s break-up. And I had no idea about it. You should be in my gang to kick his a*s with me, but here you’re, passing information to him about my life?”

With wide eyes, she flashed me a sheepish grin. “Oh, so you’re mad for that.” She cleared her throat. “It’s not my fault. When you weren’t responding to his calls or messages, he’d ruined my peace to know what was going into your mind as he thought you’d share everything with me as your best friend. So to have a good night’s sleep, I had to pass him something to calm the beast, you know?”

shook my

being a grumbling a*s and call him. And don’t make any excuses. Even among so many people, your mind is somewhere else. I can

Was it that obvious?

you

She knew really well the flowers were

for me. I’ll drop

eyes narrowed. “Why’d I give you my

need one bouquet.” Taking a last swig of her drink, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “That day is my current date’s b***h elder sister’s birthday. And

chuckle, not surprised at all. Typical Cassandra McCoy. When it came to the people she disliked, she wouldn’t even throw a penny

her hand,

saying that, Casie skipped

across my skin. While rubbing my arms to provide some warmth, my eyes fell on the bracelet

it. After acknowledging the fact that he was one who gave it to me, it felt more closer to my heart than ever. As if it was one of my limbs I couldn’t even imagine to lose. I didn’t even put it

Where is he anyway?

my left when I heard footsteps approaching.

ground, he flashed everyone with one of his fake polite smiles and shared hugs

for the dinner, Arthur. I hope you didn’t have to cancel too many of your meetings?” Tess asked,

to Ace’s trust in him, he saw if everything was going smooth for those projects to get completed on time and

important than family,” he said, fishing a small rectangular velvety box out from his pants pocket. “Here, I got you something for you. I hope

and opened it. The perfectly arched brows of her rose to her hairline. A pair of sparkling

much! You really didn’t have to buy me such an expensive gift though.” She wrapped her arms around him once again

away, he shook his head. “Nothing is as expensive as the

as Caleb pulled her into his arms, starting

dangerous for someone?” Warner’s voice spoke

from him. Something glowed inside his pocket. His phone.

cousin?” I turned to look at him. With a formal white button down and dark

gave him the address you messaged me about Arthur’s business in the UK. He already started to

the matter of concern here. I want his truth.” So that I could disclose him before Ace and throw him out of his and my family’s

you sure you want to do this, Em? If he somehow gets even

worry, your cousin

anyway? I thought he wouldn’t leave another chance

like the fact that he thought I’d do anything Ace

quiet. Though unintentionally, I’d hurt him. And I knew he wasn’t over our past yet. And it was

just hoped he’d move on soon. He had every right to be happy in his