Chapter 38

I lay on my back, staring at the ceiling, watching the night change into day. I wasn't sure which wounded me more: my father's cold-blooded nature or Ace punishing me for my father's mistakes. 

Not to mention that the man whose lap I used to sit on died, and I was oblivious since he did not want me to know. 

I contemplated what mistake I may have made in my previous life that prompted me to go through such a traumatic experience. 

As the sun dawned, I dragged myself out of bed. While engaged in my profound thoughts overnight, I understood that I was now in control. The fate of the web of lies I found myself caught in, was in my hands.

I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, my hands gripping the sink for dear life as I leaned against it. My eyebags were black and sagging. But that was not my foremost priority. I heaved as I convinced myself that the decision I took last night was correct, and that I would never wake up and regret it.

I unlocked the wardrobe to collect my suitcase. It was still unpacked because I had only arrived three days before, and unpacking has always been my greatest weakness. 

I quickly stuffed all of the clothes I had been wearing, before proceeding to iron my airport attire. 

When I finished, I dragged my luggage out of the room, holding my fleece, laptop bag, passport, and phone in my other hand. 

Aunt Stephie was sitting on the couch, watching the morning news, her back to me. She sipped on what I assumed was hot chocolate, as the enticing smell permeated the home. 

I gulped and exhaled. "Aunt!" I called out. 

She turned towards me. Before she could say anything, her eyes darted over my luggage, and she sucked her lips.

"I cannot stop you, kid. "Everyone you're after deserves everything that's coming for them." She assured me, peeking directly into my eyes. 

I nodded gently and whispered. "Yeah, thanks!" 

As we stood face to face, the room fell silent for a few seconds. 

"Just don't act like them. "Don't kill anybody!"She intervened, shattering the stillness. 

"I won't!" I swore before she jumped out of her seat and embraced me with a warm, affectionate hug. She patted my back and muttered, "I will keep you in my prayers." "You are not alone." 

Although the revelations were too much to bear, I realised there was no time to waste being depressed. I mean, I could be depressed and still kill it. To be honest, my aunt's warmth and encouragement reassured me and boosted my confidence. 

My Uber honked outside, and we broke our hug. Stephie assisted me in carrying my stuff outside before the nice driver arrived to assist me in loading it into his vehicle. 

"Thanks!" I grinned as I whispered.

Stephie and I hugged one final time before she threw me into the car and closed the door while I waved at her. Just like in the movies, I waved at her receding image through the rear screen until we couldn't see one other anymore. 

I turned and buckled myself, facing ahead. As I stared out the window, the fact that I was starting a new life became increasingly apparent. 

What lay ahead was unknown to me. All I knew was that I had booked a last-minute trip back to New York, back to Ace, and that for the next six hours, I would be five feet above the earth's surface. 

As I looked around, my eyes met those of my Uber driver, who stole a glance at me in the rearview mirror. When he realized I had noticed him, he refocused his sight on the road. 

My face stayed frowning. Because I no longer trust anything or anyone. 

What if Ace sent him? I inquired, but it didn't make sense how he could be involved with an Uber I had ordered myself. However, Ace Kingston is Ace Kingston. And will always be.

—-----------------------------------------

Ace’s POV 

I debated cancelling Angel's airplane ticket several times last night. 

I knew and recognized that she had finally realized the painful truth. The previous Ace Kingston wouldn't have cared, seeing it as an opportunity to increase the savagery. But the new Ace, George Brooks, questioned how he'd deal with her.

The first thing I did after dragging my heavy body out of bed was clean my armpits and genitals, then wash my teeth and leave after bathing my clothes in perfume. My steering wheel brought me to the airport, where I planned to surprise Angel with a pickup. As I got closer to the airport, my heart rate increased. 

Her flight was just 10 minutes away. I located an adequate parking spot and shut my car down. I brought my palms to my mouth and let out a long moan before my fingers unbuckled me.

I reached for a placard and a bunch of roses on the seat next to mine before stepping out to wait for my wife. 

My hands trembled as I held out the placard with her name imprinted on it, clutching a bouquet under my armpit. My heart paced, and my spirit had long sunk. I had no idea why I was doing it, but there was a push that kept me going no matter what.

I watched as people met their loved ones and embraced in excitement; couples kissed, gave flowers, and exchanged various forms of affection. But, even though I had carried flowers like everyone else, I knew I wouldn't get the same reaction. Nevertheless, I waited. 

She appeared suddenly, pushing her trolley with no vigor. Her body was present, but even a blind person could see her soul had left through the pores in her skin.

I swallowed hard and exhaled deeply, attempting to calm my racing heart. 

She came to an abrupt halt when she saw me, with no expression on her face. I waved weakly and forced a grin. She looked around before sighing and slowly approaching me.

"What are you doing here, Ace?" She pondered with a straight face. 

"Thought…"I should surprise you." I responded meticulously. "For you!" I gave her a bouquet of roses. 

Her gaze circled my face, shifting from my right eye to my left, then back, before accepting the bouquet from me. 

"Thanks!" "Husband." She stared. You could feel a lot of energy in the way she said "husband." 

I carried her bags in my hands while she opened the boot for me, and waited for me to turn around and open the door for her. 

As soon as I got into the driver's seat, she attacked me with a little peck on the lips, which I answered with widening eyes. 

"Thank you, for picking me up!" She appreciated it, and we took off. 

However, her attempt to express gratitude was fraught with anxiety. I was curious to learn what she was planning.