Seventy Nine

CHAPTER 79

Golden University, New York.

The wind that had been blowing through the oak trees around the university's garden seats was now beginning to break through the pores of Alicia's skin. The fair-skinned girl had been sitting there alone since her last class ended about an hour ago. Her blue, dim eyes were just staring ahead, though her mind was nowhere to be seen.

She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as she closed her eyes. It had been a week since Mrs. Portman's passing from her life, but the grief was still there. So real.

Her relationship with Mrs. Portman was quick. She was a caring, nurturing lecturer who helped her with many things that Alicia couldn't figure out on her own. In just a short time, Alicia became like a sister to Mrs. Portman. And the woman's death has a bit of a psychological effect on Alicia, who has lost many times. If only she hadn't died. That's what Alicia had always regretted, until now.

As soon as she opened her eyes, Alicia was surprised by the leaf that fell on her thigh. She picked up the leaf and smiled bitterly. "Fall is coming soon."

And shortly after, a man in a short black shirt and jeans came and sat down next to Alicia. "I've been looking for you everywhere. Why are you here?"

Alicia turned to Ace who was now looking at her sadly. The man's face always succeeded in improving her bad mood. How much influence did Ace have on Alicia?

"I'm just recalling my memories with Mrs. Portman here, Ace," Alicia mumbled.

Ace let out a soft sigh, which Alicia probably didn't hear. He looked around before the man with dark brown eyes rubbed the top of Alicia's head gently. "Let's go. It's getting cold and it's not good for your health," he said.

Alicia agreed and the two of them left the park. Instead of forgetting, Alicia remembered Mrs. Portman's kindness in the garden. The girl always felt better every time she came to the park. She didn't feel the least bit lonely, as if she wasn't sitting there alone.

"Would you like some rib soup today?" Ace asked politely.

They had just reached the parking lot and quickly got into Ace's silver car to escape the cold. Fall had arrived and the weather was no longer as warm as usual.

"Sounds interesting," Alicia replied simply.

Ace then smiled with relief and hurriedly put the security belt on his girlfriend. "By the way, how was your class today? It's been a while since you told me about those little things, Alicia." After finishing, Ace returned to the steering wheel and prepared to hit the gas.

"Everything was good, I guess."

Ace then drove the car at standard speed towards a restaurant in Town Square and let Alicia sink into her own daydream.

Since replacing his father as CEO of the Golden group, Ace's already lavish lifestyle had become even more so. He often spent his money at five-star restaurants. Ordering several bottles of wine just to please him. And so it was that now, Ace parked his car in front of a classy European restaurant not far from the Town Square theater center.

"Are we going in?" Alicia asked in disbelief.

The last time she had gone out with Ace, they had only spent time at Uncle Chuck's simple ice cream shop. But now? The restaurant, which already looked sparkling from the outside, was displayed in front of Alicia.

"Of course." And Ace's strong arms immediately linked around the girl's shoulders. "Come on!" Leading the girl who wasn't much taller than him into a restaurant called Amore.

Amore itself was known as a luxurious restaurant for high-class guests in New York City. Even as Alicia and Ace stepped inside, their senses were immediately greeted by the sparkling chandeliers. The scent of fresh fruits entered their nostrils and evoked the fresh sensation that Amore itself wanted to give.

The twenty-year-old man then led Alicia to sit in a corner of the restaurant.

"You really intend to spend your father's money, don't you?" Alicia asked sarcastically.

But Ace didn't take offense at all. Instead, he smiled broadly and put on an innocent face to humor his girlfriend. "So Miss Perth, would you like to have such a delicious rib soup with me?"

Alicia chuckled. She then folded her arms across her chest and leaned her face towards Ace who was now sitting in front of her. "Sure, as long as you finish those caramels with me too, Mr. Blake," she teased.

Ace immediately shuddered lazily. He was even turning his head in disgust now. "Can you forget about those caramels and replace them with wine?" A wide grin appeared from the corner of Ace's lips;ending his offer just now.

"Not today, Ace."

"Ah..." Ace then spluttered. "Alright. I'll order now."

Afterward, Ace called the waitress to start ordering at the restaurant. Two servings of rib soup with their respective drinks.

"Ace?"

And the full-lipped man turned his head. "Yes, darling?"

Nervous, Alicia immediately bit her lip. "There's--there's something I want to ask you," she said slowly.

Meanwhile, Ace looked at her casually. He was even smiling now. "Just tell me. What's bothering you, Alicia?"

"Did you... on that day, really go to Italy?" Alicia immediately added before Ace could say anything. "I mean, I saw someone who looked a lot like you that day."

A second later, there was silence. Their eyes met, though neither of them opened their voices.

It was probably about a minute until Ace finally cleared his throat loudly and folded his arms across his chest. "Alicia, I...

"I didn't mean to be suspicious, I just... it bothered me a lot," Alicia cut in quickly. She even had an apologetic look on her face now.

"No," Ace snapped quickly. "It wasn't me." He said it in a flat, cold voice. Uncharacteristic of her.

But Ace didn't avoid the girl's gaze, he was staring at her intently now. "Now, it's my turn to ask you." Ace leaned forward. "What were you doing with Nicholas behind my back, Alicia?"

"Wha--what?!" []