The Trap Of Ace novel novel Chapter 3

A knock landed on the door. "You ready, honey? Your Dad is waiting downstairs."

"Yeah, Mom. Just give a minute," I replied, staring at my reflection in the mirror.

"Alright, come soon."

I ran my palm over the red material clung against my skin. It felt smooth. Everything was perfect. The nude make-up, the simple side-parted long hair, the off shoulder gown with a sweetheart neckline and a semi-high slit at the side, everything was in place.

"I'm ready," I whispered at my reflection, and those big turquoise eyes of her stared back.

Grabbing my black clutch, I smoothed my hair once again and sauntered downstairs.

Warner met me at the door. His mouth fell open, his light blue eyes looking up and down my body. "Holy shit! You're looking…" He shook his head. "I've no words."

I stretched my lips into a smile. "Thanks. You don't look that bad yourself."

He did look good in his three piece suit and tie.

"Shall we?" I asked.

"Sure! God knows, no one can take their eyes off of you tonight." Grinning, he gave me an arm, and I took it.

Once outside, we met Mom adjusting Dad's tie as he grunted something. His face turned grim, spotting us together. After Mom gushed about my looks and being proud that I went after her, we all piled in the car. Though her subtle attempt of asking me if I was feeling good after I left the dinner in the middle, excusing of my jet lag last night. I knew what she wanted to ensure, if I was okay, not physically, but emotionally.

Everyone had avoided talking about the engagement as much as possible before me. They thought it could upset me as they all had an idea of my heartbreak seven years ago. Not all of it though. They weren't aware of what happened that night. But they didn't know I wasn't the fifteen years old Emerald anymore.

I was going to face the man who broke my heart years ago, and see him announce his engagement with my sister before the world. But I was alright. It's been years since then. I had a boyfriend, I'd moved on.

After last night, I hadn't seen her. And honestly, I didn't want to. Even if I didn't care anymore, I still felt the anger and betrayal I felt that night. After knowing everything, how could she come and announce her engagement to me as if nothing happened?

How could she…

I shook myself, not wanting to remember the past. I was stronger now. The past should remain in the past. And I should be happy for her. It's been years after all.

And I've overcome the past. It didn't affect me now. Not at all.

The car screeched to a halt, along with my heart. Mom and Dad got out, and Warner followed behind.

We were here.

"Em?" Warner called out, waiting for me outside.

Deep breaths came out of me, my hands fisted my gown at my knees. Heart palpitating down the chest, my mouth turned dry. A drop of sweat trickled down my nape.

It was slipping. The calm facade, it was slipping from my control.

"Honey? Come on, Tessa is waiting for us inside," Mom probed.

I can do it. Nothing happened. I've moved on.

Giving her a tight nod, I gritted my teeth and scrambled out with shaky knees. I caught Warner's arm in a vice grip as my eyes fell on the huge mansion I didn't remember when I last visited.

"You alright? You look a little pale," Warner asked as we crossed the threshold. The line I shouldn't cross.

"I'm fine." My nails dug into my palms.

"Are you sure?"

I nodded, clutching him harder. He winced, but didn't ask any further. And I was grateful for that.

I let him drag me across the mass of people dressed in sophisticated and branded clothes. The vast hall was sufficient to gulp the massive crowd alone. Everything was decorated the way a party of one of the most influential families should be. Elegant yet dazzling.

As we passed the chatting and drinking crowd, we spotted Tess, standing beside some of her friends. Seeing us, she excused herself and rushed to us, the tail of her silvery sparkling gown dragged behind her. Tobias followed behind.

If all of their friends were here, that meant…

Tugging my hand out of Warner's arm, I took a step back. My eyes glanced around. My legs urged me to run. Go back to the safety of my room where someone couldn't reach me. Someone whom I buried at the pit of my memories.

"Oh my God! Look at my baby, you're looking so beautiful!" Mom's voice croaked as she glanced at Dad. "When did our daughter get so big, Wilson? Look at her wearing an engagement ring today." She sniffled.

I averted my eyes from her ring, and took a glass of wine from a passing waiter. My hand shook around it.

Dad rubbed Mom's back while Tess rolled her eyes. "Mom, we're just announcing our official engagement date. I'm not getting married tonight!"

"Don't worry about her, she just got a little emotional. Anyway, where is your fiance?" Dad asked, looking around.

"Oh, he is over there!" She pointed near the bar. And I froze.

Slowly and steadily, I followed everyone's gaze. Four men stood together, one of them stood with his back to us.

Is it... him?

If it was, then he was more tall and lean than I last remembered. Seven years. After seven years, I will come to him face to face. I will have to look into those stormy grey eyes…

I let out a shaky breath. I needed air, I needed out.

Just as I was about to slip away, Tess called out for him.

"Caleb?"

My steps halted. Caleb?

I glanced at the direction as that man turned around and a broad grin lightened his face. Striding closer, he kissed on Tess's cheek and greeted Mom and Dad.

Their linked arms, gazing at each other's eyes with full of affection… I blinked, a silent gasp slipped through my lips.

That means, Caleb was the one Tess got engaged to? Achilles's cousin?

Now that 'V' in her ring made sense. 'V' for Valencian. Caleb Valencian.

A pressure in my chest suddenly disappeared, filling it with air. They weren't together.

"Em? Emerald? Is that you?" Caleb asked, recognition flickered in his brown eyes. "Oh my God! It is the infamous Emerald Hutton who didn't even give a call to this poor abandoned man all these times?"

I managed a smile. "Hey, Caleb."

He engulfed me in a bear hug. And I couldn't help but return his endearment. He was like a big brother to me. But in the process of distancing myself with him, I cut ties with everyone involving the Valencians.

He pulled away and put his hands on my shoulders. "Did anyone tell you what a beautiful woman you've grown up into?"

Chuckling, I shook my head. The grip around my glass remained firm. Any moment now.

"If you've stopped flirting with my sister, can I hug her now?" Tess raised her brow at Caleb.

Grinning, he placed a kiss on her temple. "You know I only have my eyes on you, right?"

Rolling her eyes, she pushed him away and threw her arms around me. "You're looking lovely!"

"So are you," I said. Her gaze locked with mine. Something close to regret flashed in her eyes, and then something else which I couldn't decipher.