Chapter 5

We tell the story of how Ace and I met and our other run-ins. Libby laughs at our regular run-ins, especially at me kneeing Ace in the balls in the stairwell.

'This is a very romantic and hilarious story. It sounds like this is also new to you, Ace; learning to socialise and being in a relationship. Is there a reason why you stop pursuing relationships with people?' Libby asks, focusing on Ace.

Placing my hand on Ace’s back, I give him a nod and an empathetic smile.

'It’s not just me who needs to heal, Ace,' I say reassuringly.

He nods and sighs, and tells Libby about the horrible upbringing he had with his mother, and his first serious long-term relationship with Ava, who his mother convinced him to date. Then how after a while his mother convinced him to propose to her, only to find her cheating on him. And then how his mother passed away, but not before reminding him he was a disappointment to her.

'Since that day, I haven’t pursued a relationship; friendship or romance,' Ace explains.

'Until you and Zurielle collided?’ Libby smiles. Ace and I stare at each other, and I blush as he smiles.

'Until Zurielle Summers entered my life, yes,' Ace whispers.

'Tell me, Ace. What was so different about Zurielle compared to other women? What made you pursue her and not anyone else?’ Libby asks.

'The moment I locked eyes with Zurielle, the switch inside me flicked back on. It was like we were instantly connected to each other. Although she was mad at me, I was mesmerized by her and her eyes. They hid a sadness that I was all too familiar with. The same sadness I hid. Something told me I had to see her again, that I had to know who she was; that she was meant for me,’ Ace says.

Libby is fanning her face with the notepad.

'Wow. That’s quite intense. I believe your feelings for her have only grown stronger?' Libby questions. Ace smiles and nods.

'Of course.'

'How does this make you feel hearing what Ace just said?' Libby asks me.

'I know he loves me and cares for me. To know how deep our connection really is, to know that the moment we met sparked something special between us; that I am the reason he gave himself a chance at love; it makes me feel happy and blissful.' I smile.

'I can definitely see the love you two have for each other.' Libby smiles. 'Ace tells me you have been having a lot of nightmares lately that are linked to the house fire and your kidnapping?' She says. Frowning, I nod.

'Tell me about the nightmares, mainly the recurring ones.'

My body language changes, I slump a little and wrap my arms around myself, and look down at the floor.

'I’m trapped in a small cupboard, the same cupboard I was locked in by Red Back. I can’t get out no matter how hard I try to break the cupboard door open. And no one comes for me no matter how loud I scream. In another recurring dream, Ace is running towards me but falls to the ground after Red Back shoots him. The other nightmares are a bit of everything, the fire, Red Back, Ace being shot, being locked in that cupboard.' I shake my head hoping to rid myself of the horrible memories.

'Other than sleep, is this affecting your life in any other way? Such as: at home, in the workplace, or even your relationship with Ace?' She asks, jotting down more notes.

Turning to Ace, I frown, and stare back at Libby, nervously scrunching my skirt. I'm uncomfortable. Ace reaches for one of my hands and holds it in his.

'It’s okay, Zurielle. Don’t be afraid to tell us,' he says, reassuringly.

'I haven’t told Ace about any of it. I didn’t want him to worry more than he already does about me. Being in the elevator makes me feel claustrophobic. I feel locked in that cupboard when I’m in there. When colleagues greet me in the kitchen or meeting room, I’m always startled by them. Every day I worry something bad will happen either to me or Ace.' I begin to cry. Ace wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close into his chest.

'Nothing bad will ever happen to us again, Zurielle,' he assures me.

'I know. I just can’t help think it though.' I sob.

'Zurielle, the trauma, you have suffered is causing you to become anxious in certain circumstances. I can give you some breathing exercises to help you cope in these moments of anxiety. If you feel they haven’t helped by the next time I see you, I’ll prescribe you with medication,’ she offers. Ace holds me close. It calms me, and stops my tears. I nod at Libby.

'Thank you.'

I practise some breathing techniques with Libby, then she shows us out.

'I’ll see you both in two weeks,’ she says, waving goodbye.

We sit silently in the Lamborghini as Ace drives us home. I'm hoping he isn’t mad at me.

'I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about feeling anxious,' I say, guiltily. He reaches for my hand and caresses it with his thumb.

'I do wish you would have told me. I'm glad you were able to open up and mention it today. I’m proud of you Zurielle. That would not have been easy,' he says, kissing the back of my hand.

In the evening, we sit on the balcony, snuggled up on the outdoor lounge with a blanket, watching the stars and enjoying the moon’s beauty.

'You know, you should be proud of yourself too, Ace. You opened up a lot as well today. When you said you felt we connected the day we met… I thought we did too.' I smile.

Ace smiles.

'It’s cold. Let’s go to bed. We have work tomorrow and I want you well-rested.' He stands up and carries me in his arms, and sits me gently on our bed. I stand, remove my clothes and put my nighty on, before crawling back into bed and snuggling up beside him.

Waking up, Ace's legs are tangled with mine, his head is on my chest, and he is snoring. He reminds me of a child snuggled up. I gently caress his cheek to stir him awake. After a few gruff noises, he sits up, yawns then smiles at me.

'Time for work, sleepy head.' I smile. Ace sighs.

'I know, but I’d rather stay in bed with you all day.' He begins nuzzling my neck, I giggle and playfully push him away.

'Come on, Ace. I’ll get the shower started.'

After we shower, we leave for work.

Arriving, we’re holding hands, and as usual, my colleagues admire us from their desks. We’re about to step into the elevator when my legs wobble slightly, and my chest begins to tighten. Ace notices.

'Look at me. Nothing else,' he says, gently taking my hands. I look up into his eyes and find myself standing in the elevator with him.

The doors close and the elevator starts to move upwards, my breathing becomes rapid again.

'Take a deep breath with me, just like Libby showed you.' I close my eyes as we inhale and exhale together.

'Again,' he says. I inhale and slowly exhale. The doors ding open.

'Very good. You did it.' Ace smiles. I smile back and nod. We exit the elevator and enter our office to begin our work for the day. I jump each time June enters the office. Ace scolds her, and reminds her to knock on the door.

'You didn’t have to scold her like that. She doesn’t know what I’m going through.' I point out.

‘You're right. I’m sorry. I just want everything to be easier for you. I’ll apologise to her later,' he assures me.

'Thanks.' I smile.

'Do you want to see some of my new designs?' He asks. I jump up out of my seat.

'I would love to!' I squeal and run around his desk, and make myself comfortable on his lap, while he shows me his drawings.

'These are amazing.' I beam. ‘You have drawn me as the model in all of these?'

'You are my inspiration.' He smiles and places a kiss on my shoulder. I turn myself around on his lap, and straddle him. I cup his face and kiss his lips.