The Trap Of Ace By Eva Zahan

"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?"

I shook my head at her.

"And I didn't say anything wrong. He'd get to know sooner or later," she added. "Now stop 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 see it. It's on your face."

Was it that obvious?

"By the way, does he still send you roses every morning?" she asked out of blue.

"Yes?" Why'd she ask that? She knew really well the flowers were an everyday thing now.

"Save the day after tomorrow's bouquet for me. I'll drop by your place at eleven."

My eyes narrowed. "Why'd I give you my flowers?"

"Jeez, relax. Don't need to get all green now. You can keep all of them, I just 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 I've to attend her formal family brunch with something in my hands. Now why'd I waste my money to buy something for her when I can just take your bouquet?"

I let out a chuckle, not surprised at all. Typical Cassandra McCoy. When it came to the people she disliked, she wouldn't even throw a penny for them.

"Kids, the lambs are ready!" Mom beckoned us with her hand, serving the smoky grilled lambs on plates for everyone.

"Don't forget the flowers!" saying that, Casie skipped off to the group.

Placing the glass on the counter, I heaved a sigh. Cool air kissed my b**e arms, pricking goosebumps across my skin. While rubbing my arms to provide some warmth, my eyes fell on the bracelet on my wrist. Those tiny emeralds and diamonds sparkled under the light.

An involuntary smile touched my lips as I ran my thumb softly on 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 off while taking showers.

Where is he anyway?

My eyes went to my left when I heard footsteps approaching. And to my great displeasure, it was Arthur.

Approaching the ground, he flashed everyone with one of his fake polite smiles and shared hugs with Tess and Caleb. Both of them seemed quite happy with his presence.

"I'm glad you could make out some time for the dinner, Arthur. I hope you didn't have to cancel too many of your meetings?" Tess asked, grinning ear to ear.

Unfortunately, he handled most of the important deals after they got signed with Valencian Corp. Due to Ace's trust in him, he saw if everything was going smooth for those projects to get completed on time and without any problems. Not to forget, he managed Ace's many side businesses.

"Oh, no! Not at all. Nothing is more 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 you like it."

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Her eyes shone with excitement as she took the box from his hand and opened it. The perfectly arched brows of her rose to her hairline. A pair of sparkling diamond earrings sat inside.

"Oh my! This is beautiful, Arthur! Thank you so much! You really didn't have to buy me such an expensive gift though." She wrapped her arms around him once again which he returned with a pat on her back.

Pulling away, he shook his head. "Nothing is as expensive as the smile I got to see on my future daughter-in-law's face."

Her eyes filled with moisture as Caleb pulled her into his arms, starting a conversation with Arthur.

"Who can say this man could be dangerous for someone?" Warner's voice spoke beside me.

"This mask of his will be revealed soon." My eyes didn't move away from him. Something glowed inside his pocket. His phone. Moments later, it went off as he ignored it.

"By the way, did you talk to your cousin?" I turned to look at him. With a formal white button down and dark slacks, he had a glass of orange juice in his hand.

He nodded. “Yes. I even gave him the address you messaged me about Arthur's business in the UK. He already started to look into it. I'll update you as soon as he gets back to me with anything."

"Good. Tell him to do his best. Money isn't 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 life.

"I'll. But... are you sure you want to do this, Em? If he somehow gets even a sniff on this..." He trailed off.

I shrugged. "I'm not scared of him. And don't worry, your cousin is a detective. And detectives know how to be discreet."

Nodding, his gaze went around. "Where is Achilles anyway? I thought he wouldn't leave another chance to convince you to forgive him."

The bitterness of his voice didn't sit well with me. I could understand his concern for me, but I didn't like the fact that he thought I'd do anything Ace would tell me. I had a mind of my own. I knew what to do in my life without anyone's influence.

But I kept quiet. Though unintentionally, I'd hurt him. And I knew he wasn't over our past yet. And it was leading him to grow bitterness for Ace more.

I just hoped he'd move on soon. He had every right to be happy in his life with someone who'd love him truly.

"Maybe he won't join the dinner tonight. Must be busy somewhere."

"Busy with whom?" he taunted.

I threw him a sharp glance. His indication pricked my skin. "Warner, please. We already talked about it, didn't we? I don't want a scene in Tess's rehearsal dinner. So even if he comes, please be civil with him. Tonight and tomorrow are very special for my sister, don't ruin it."

Sighing, he nodded. "Sorry, I got a little carried away."

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"Just remember what I said." My eyes went back to Arthur.

Finally pulling his phone out, he watched the caller ID. And as soon as he did it, his whole demeanor changed. Casting a discreet glance at Tess and Caleb who were busy talking to each other, he excused himself and walked into the house. "Alright, I will... wait, where are you going?"

Warner's voice called out, but I was already following Arthur's path inside the mansion. It must be an important call. Maybe I could find something out?

Halting in a hallway, I moved my head to my right and then left. Endless eerie corridors welcomed me with its silence. Distant music that rang outside was the only sound I could hear. Where did he go? He was just here a moment ago. I saw him coming here.

Ella, a house help who worked for Tess here, emerged from around the corner of the corridor at my right with a tray of more drinks in her hands.

"Ms. Hutton? What are you doing here alone? You needed anything?" she asked as soon as she noticed me.

"No, Ella. I don't need anything. Thank you. Uh, did you see anyone coming this way?" I pointed to where she just came from.

She shook her head. "No, Miss. I didn't see anyone. Why? Is everything alright?"

Nodding, I smiled. "Yeah, don't worry. Everything is fine. You can go ahead and give everyone these drinks."

Once she was gone, I took the left corridor, making sure not to make any noises. If he didn't go from where Ella just came, he must've taken this way. Ella would've seen him if he took right.

After walking aimlessly among the empty corridors for some moments, I finally heard something. His voice. I stopped right before the door of the balcony. Through the gap of the door, I peeked outside. And there he was, standing beside the railings he had his phone against his ear. The knuckles of his hand turned white around the railing as he heard the person from the other side of the phone. The veins of his temple stood out as he gritted his teeth.

"And you're telling me this right now?" he hissed, tone low.

He heard what the other person said with hands formed into b***s.

"That b***h!" he cursed under his breath. "Did she spill anything?"

His index finger danced patiently on the railing.

"Are you sure?"

Then he nodded. "Keep an eye on her. Inform me if she tries to do anything against me." His face turned into stone cold as he straightened his collar with one hand. "And if she doesn't stay in her limits, make sure she loses her life just like she lost her job."