ACEI didn’t ask where she was driving. I figured today I could loosen the reins a bit.After everything that happened earlier, I knew I had to reel myself in before I lost all control. But there was a part of me that didn't want to let go just yet.And when she said she wanted to take me on a date, I didn’t say no.I don’t get asked out often. Usually, I’m the one planning the whole damn thing.After brunch and a few blocks of aimless driving, Sera glanced at me from behind the wheel, one brow raised. “So,” she said casually, “aside from this morning’s drama and the flower-bomb from your mother that you treated like an active grenade—what do you actually want today?”I leaned my head against the window, watching the city blur past. “Hm?”“It’s your birthday. I want to get you something.”I looked at her. “You know I don’t need anything, right?”“It’s not about need,” she replied, throwing me a quick look before turning back to the road. “I just want to. And for once, I want you to sa
SERAAfter we parked on a quiet street, I turned to Ace sitting calmly in the driver’s seat. “I won’t be long,” I said, unbuckling my seatbelt. “You can wait here.”“You always say that, but somehow I age ten years every time I wait.”I gave him a faint smile. “You’re already old.”He just looked at me with that mock-threatening stare before turning his face toward the window.Edward Hayes was waiting for me on the second floor, in one of the unused office units. He looked the same as always—crisp suit, classic watch, and that polished smile that never quite earned your full trust. But Reggie trusted him, so do I.Next to him stood a younger woman—straight posture, neatly styled brown hair, and a gaze that told you she was used to being in charge. Her skin was a warm olive tone, her eyes sharp, and she wore a black blazer and perfectly tailored pencil skirt.“This is our firm’s new partner, Savannah Brucio,” Edward introduced. “She specializes in properties like this.”I gave a polite
ACETo my son, on the year you are finally expected to win. ~VivienneOf course she’d write something like that. Subtle pressure wrapped up in neat handwriting. Classic.“It’s from my mom,” I said quietly. But I didn’t open the box. For some reason, there was this odd twist in my chest, a flicker of caution.Sera was still watching me, gentle but curious. “You’re not going to open it?”I shook my head. “Later.” Then I handed the package back to Jonas. “Can you bring it up to my room?”Jonas nodded and carried them upstairs.Sera tilted her head, probably about to ask more, but before she could, Grant showed up with that particular expression that usually means something urgent.“Happy birthday, Mr. Ace,” he said with a polite smile. “I do appreciate your joy today, but I need to speak with Miss Sera. It’s important.”I nodded. “Of course.”Sera brushed her hand lightly down my arm, whispering, “I’ll catch up with you later,” before slipping away with Grant.As she left, I noticed som
ACEMorning broke, the world still quiet—but my heart was already pounding, like it knew what was coming.Today was my birthday.Normally, I’m not the type to make a big deal out of birthdays, but this year feels different. Maybe it’s the unspoken “rule” Sera made about today being just for me.One day. Mine.And she knew I was collecting on that.I’d just opened my bedroom door when I saw her standing there—hand already raised mid-knock. She froze for a fraction of a second, then slowly lowered it like she hadn’t been caught.She was already dressed, wearing a soft blue dress that draped perfectly over her frame. Her hair was neatly done, her face fresh.Not that she wasn’t beautiful on any other day—but this morning, she was glowing. Like she got ready for me.And damn, I liked that thought way more than I should’ve.“Happy birthday,” she said casually, a small smile tugging at her lips. “You don’t look too bad for a guy who just woke up.”I raised an eyebrow. “That’s it?”She stifl
ACEThe steps still swayed to the fading beat after the music stopped. She gave a small smile, cheeks flushed just a bit, breath slow and steady. Her hand stayed in mine, and for the first time in a long while, this room felt warm.I knew she’d leave if I let her. Like she always did—keeping that distance that pissed me off but left me powerless. But tonight felt different. And for once, I didn’t want to keep everything so damn controlled.My hand slid down to catch her fingers hanging loose by her side. I squeezed gently. “Stay.” The word came out softer than I intended. But firm, no begging, no pressure. “Tonight, just stay.”Her eyes locked on mine, full of thought, full of history, full of wounds I was done pretending didn’t matter.I swallowed and stepped closer, just half an inch away. My hand brushed her cheek slowly. “This room wasn’t mine before you walked in. So if you’re gonna leave again, at least give it one night to remember what it feels like to matter.”She didn’t say
SERAHe leaned back, arms crossed. “But if you’re feeling left out … I can make some marks for you later.”I tugged at my collar and straightened up, trying to reclaim my composure. “We had an agreement. No marks on me.”“But he kissed you on the lips. Right in front of me,” Ace replied coolly. “If that’s not a ‘mark,’ I’m not sure what is.”I buried my face in my hands. “This is a mess.”He laughed—softly. Not the amused kind, but the kind that sounded like someone mentally crafting a sweet, vicious revenge.“Let’s—let’s just get back to business.”I forced myself to focus on the file in front of us. A few pages had been flagged, and notes on possible legal pathways began lining up in my mind again. Ace answered each of my questions patiently and thoroughly. He didn’t let emotions bleed into the work, not even after what happened earlier.And somehow, because of that, I felt steadier.Once we wrapped up, I began gathering the scattered papers. “That was … genuinely helpful,” I said h