The Trap Of Ace novel Chapter 6

"Em? Where were you? You okay? I was about to go to you, but Tobias said to give you some time alone. Did something happen?" Warner fired as soon as he saw me, standing beside him, my brother eyed me with concern.

I gave him a tight smile. "Nothing happened, everything is fine. Don't worry! I just needed some fresh air."

He didn't look convinced, but nodded his head anyway. That's what I liked about him, he never forced me to do anything I didn't want to.

When I asked Tobias for the car keys excusing of not feeling well, he requested me to stay until the announcement and cake cutting. I agreed to stay until the announcement, only for Mom and Dad. I didn't want them to worry. And the entire time I ignored a pair of scorching gaze on me.

I needed to get away if I wanted to keep my sanity intact.

***

The blaring of my phone alarm woke me from my sleep that had come to me with much difficulty last night. The soft beams of morning glow fell into the room, causing me to squint my eyes. Letting out a yawn, I sat up.

My head felt heavy. And soon my heart followed as the memories of last night flew in.

Closing my eyes, I pinched the bridge of my nose. Just a matter of a few days, and then I will be gone.

A buzz of my mobile caught my attention.

Must be one of the girls.

Reaching out, I grabbed my phone and saw an unknown number.

Good morning, my Rosebud! Hope you had a good night's sleep.

A

My heart skipped a beat. A? M-means, Ace?

My hands curled around the phone.

What does he want now?

Was my behavior last night wasn't enough to clarify that I didn't want to do anything with him? Even though he didn't know the reason, I didn't care.

I thought to reply to him with a 'back off', but then decided instead. Deleting the message, I threw my phone back on the bed and padded into the washroom.

"So? What're you gonna do now?" Casie raised her brow, when Beth munched on the chocolate chips she brought with her.

They came to hang out at my place and together we'd breakfast. And now was watching TV in the hall, sprawling on the leather couches. Mom and Dad went shopping right after breakfast for Tess's upcoming engagement party. And Warner tagged along happily. Good thing that I could share everything with the girls without fearing anyone's overhearing.

"I don't know. And it doesn't matter, you know? He is just being polite to me as a family friend, that's all," I replied.

"And 'ow do you 'ow that?" Beth asked, her mouth filled with chips.

I shrugged. "Why else was he being so nice all of a sudden then? Before I shifted to NY, he was never around. And even if he was, he never said a word to me, which I was grateful for. But now, after all these years, he is suddenly so nice to me. Calling me Rosebud like nothing happened."

Both of them listened to my blabbering with utmost attention.

"Hmm, it's confusing," Casie hummed. "Maybe you're right. But then you said he remembered what he said on your ninth birthday?"