The Trap Of Ace

Read The Trap Of Ace By Eva Zahan Chapter 77 – The last time I saw him was at the police station. After that night, Ace handed him over to the police for trying to force himself on me. And as much as that night managed to send a shiver down my spine for months after that, I pressed down on my grudge against him and thought rationally. Yes, what he did was wrong, but he was drunk at that moment. Not that it gave him any excuse to do that to me, but I decided to let things end and requested Ace to withdraw his complaint.

Even I did wrong to him, though it was nothing compared to the deed he tried to do. But for the sake of our years of friendship, I decided to let him out after fifteen days of his j**l, much to Ace’s dismay. He wanted him to rot behind the bars forever.

Even though he apologized for his actions endlessly, I had told him to stay away from me and not to try to reach out in any way.

But here he was today, probably with his fiance. I just hoped Ace wouldn’t see him here.

The woman beside me stood up and he rushed to her side immediately, before turning to me again. Glancing at my bump, a soft smile etched on his face.

“How are you doing, Em… I mean, Emerald.” He cleared his throat awkwardly.

I nodded. “Good.”

I didn’t say anything else as he fidgeted in his place. “And… Achilles?”

“Great.”

“This is my fiance, Sarah,” he said, making that woman smile at me. The look in her eyes told me she knew more than just about my designs.

“Hi, I- uh, I wanted to introduce you myself, but I didn’t know how you would react. Warner told me so much about you that I feel like I know you for years!”

My eyes cut Warner. “Then he must have told you the reason behind our distance now?”

Guilt flashed over his eyes as he looked down in shame. Sarah squeezed his hand.

“Yes, he told me everything.” Her voice came out soft. “You don’t know what guilt he was going through for years. He still curses that night. I can’t say he deserves your forgiveness, but he’s extremely sorry, Emerald. Nothing can justify his act, but it was not him. The alcohol, the anger, the jealousy and his heartbreak made him react like that. You knew him for years, he isn’t that person.”

“I’m so sorry, Em!” Warner took a step forward, eyes pleading. “I know you hate me. But please, maybe for the sake of the friendship we had, forgive me? I don’t want any place in your life again, I lost the right to be your friend again, but at least say that you forgave me. It’ll be easier to live thinking that my best doesn’t hate me anymore.”

Something clenched in my heart. The b**n in my eyes made me look away. Even after the hatred, I had missed his presence in my life. He was my best friend after all. Even deep down, I knew he wasn’t the person I met that night.

But sometimes, if a relationship is broken, it can’t be fixed. So we better stay away from each other.

“I know that wasn’t you, Warner. That’s why I made Ace let you out of j**l. Honestly, I don’t really hate you, I never did. But yes,” I looked at him in the eye, “the hurt you gave me that night, I can’t forget it so easily. Yes, I can forgive you for that night. It’s been years after all. But don’t expect me to be all nice and friends with you. We’ll be the way we have been for years.”

When I said I would forgive him, a light of hope had lit in his eyes. But as soon as I finished my talk, it died down.

“Em…” He let out a sigh before nodding. “Thank you. At least I’ll get your forgiveness. But I will always hope that maybe someday, we could be friends again.”

“Maybe.” Glancing at Sarah, I flashed a small smile. “All the best for your future.”

“Thanks,” she nodded as a small smile tugged up Warner’s lips.

***

car screeched to a halt, I looked

out in the

on his shoulders? He already has his studies and swimming lessons to take care of,” Ace grumbled for the third time since our son informed us that he was taking a part

he can take

I was sure Warner

gave a slow nod. “He’s my son after

Only his son?

brow. “I didn’t remember it was you

in, he brushed his lips against mine. “Yeah, but I was the one

car. “Yeah, but I was the one who carried him for nine months in my womb and gave

to me, wrapping a possessive arm

a grin

teacher now. He must

let him guide me into the school

Valencian. He’s very good at whatever he does, be it studies, swimming or football. I’m sure he can manage it

him, you know? He’s just a kid,” I

‘kid’, an almost non visible crease formed

back my

To say, he was just like his father. He liked to keep to himself, wouldn’t share any of his thoughts unless it was necessary and tends to observe everything quietly. Not only did he have his father’s characteristics, he got his looks too. Same dark hair, grey eyes and facial features. But when Ace had stormy grey eyes, his were

his childhood due to his being serious most of the time. He didn’t even have many friends other than Raphael, Tess and Caleb’s son and Calvin, another boy in his class. That

Valencian, we’ll be making sure we don’t give him

don’t want my son to suffer in any way,” Ace warned, pinning the middle-aged man with his

poor man fidgeted on his chair, clearing his throat. “Sure, Mr. Valencian.

how’s his studies going? I hope

glance at his father, not

laughed. “Oh, his studies are good. He’s a genius in every subject. His behavior is also good, except…” he

Ace titled his

glares he sends to his teachers.” He let out an awkward laughter as Archer did the same thing he was accused of. His narrowed eyes fixed on Mr. Devaski. “But it’s alright. Kids can have tantrums

eyes widened. “Archer? Is

from his teacher. His posture was too proud to

man?” At Ace’ voice, he turned to his father, as

over our son than I had. But at least Archer respected

is, then may I

behind his glasses

my time asking irrational questions,” was his

it’s understandable,” saying, he stood up, buttoning up his coat. My mouth fell open at this.

his head. “N-no, Mr. Valencian.