The Trap Of Ace novel novel Chapter 10

"So, that means you will stay here now that you've been transferred to this city?" Mom eyed me, stirring the soup on the stove. Her voice radiated felicity.

Peeling another pea, I shrugged. "I don't know know. I'm thinking to apply for another transfer. Maybe they will consider it?"

Staying here wasn't an option for me, but leaving this job, well, I couldn't take this risk. I'd dreamed to work at companies like this, and now that I finally got the chance, I couldn't just throw it away. The one thing that didn't make any sense was, Coopers Fabrics was one of the most successful textile companies, then what happened all of a sudden that they had to sell it overnight?

"I didn't know you hate this city that much," she said, her tone fragile.

I sighed. "I don't hate it here, Mom. It's just, I told you, all my plans are made around NY. And I can't just ignore them just like that."

"Do you think I'm a fool?" Her brows rose. "Do you think I don't know why you're so keen to stay away from California?"

I opened my mouth and then closed it.

She shook her head. "Just because one person, you can't punish your whole family, Em. You've to accept it sooner or later, you can't keep running forever."

Closing my eyes, I rubbed my neck. I didn't deny anything she enunciated. Because we both knew the truth.

"Anyway, what's the name of your new employer? I want to thank him personally for transferring you here. I already like this person." Sensing my unease, she changed the topic.

I rolled my eyes. "I don't know. And honestly, I don't have any wish to." For that person I was here again, back to the city where the devil of my dreams resided.

Mumbling something incoherent under her breath, she took the peas from me and added them into the boiling soup.

"Smelling good, what's for lunch today?" Tess strolled into the kitchen. Throwing her purse on the table, she took a seat beside me. "Glad that you're back! I was really disappointed when I heard of your departure, you know? I couldn't even spend much time with you."

I cast her an apologetic smile. "Something important came up. So i'd to go. And sorry about the dinner, I hope it went well?"

"Do you really think we'd have a family dinner without you?" At her question, my brows creased in confusion. "I cancelled the dinner as soon as I heard that you left for New York. I want both my and Caleb's family to come together at this event. And without you, my family remains incomplete."

I stared at her. Though I didn't want to, but her words touched something inside me. Where was that harsh and spoiled Tess I knew seven years ago? As if I was getting to know my sister in a whole new way.

"You could reschedule it again now that she's here," Mom suggested.

"No, Mom. Caleb's uncle isn't in the town right now. You know what uncle Arthur means to Caleb and Achilles. After Achilles's father's death, he is the one who took care of them. So with his absence, arranging a family dinner isn't a good idea."

"Arthur Valencian? He lived in England, right?" He was the only relative Achilles and Caleb had left after their family crisis. But due to a conflict between Achilles's father and him, he didn't live in USA. That's all I knew about him. I didn't know he returned to his homeland.

Tess bobbed her head. "Yes, but he returned after some years of his brother's death. To look after his nephews. He is an amazing person."

But what about his mom? Where was she when they needed someone to take care of them?

"Anyway, I've to do some shopping today. You know, preparing for the engagement party? And I need my sister to help me with it. So go get ready, we're leaving in ten minutes."

Before I could object, Mom chimed in. "Excellent idea! She needs some shopping to get her mind off things. Take her along, she needs it."

"But…"

"Em, won't you help your sister with her engagement's shopping? I need you there," said Tess, blinking her blue eyes.

Shaking my head, I got up and went upstairs to get ready. And her squeal followed behind. Maybe Mom was right, going out could help my mind off the transfer. And this way, my relationship with Tess could progress more. At least I had to try.

Gliding down the stairs, I found Tess closing the door, holding a huge teddy with an adorable bow around its neck. A involuntary grin stretched on my face. It was so beautiful and big that she was having difficulties holding it.

"Who brought it? Is it yous?" I asked, admiring the teddy.

"Well, my fiance is too boring to send gifts like this! It's for you," she joked, rolling her eyes.

I frowned. "For me? But who'd sent it for me?"

She shrugged. "There's a note in there, check it out."

Though I was confused, the excitement surpassed the confusion and curosity as I grabbed the teddy from her first. I took my time petting it, feeling its softness against my palms, and then I took out the note. Tess watched me with amusement.

I've always loved them. My room used to be filled with huge teddies. I couldn't even sleep without some beside me. I was so definitely going to keep it on my bed.

But when I opened the note, I was doubting it.

Welcome home, Rosebud.

A

Three words, and my excitement drained into the drain, annoyance took place instead. How did he know that I was back? Then my eyes landed on my sister, who was patiently awaiting to know who sent this enormous gift.

Either her or my stupid of a brother.

"So?" She queried.

"There's no name on it." I swiftly put the note in my pocket. An A wasn't a name. "If you want, you can have it."

"Why? You don't like it?"

I shrugged. My arms had a firm grip around it. And when she came forward to take it from me, my treacherous body stepped back, holding the teddy tight against my chest.