180: SECRET

SECRET

An hour later the conversation finally pulled into a stop and by that time everything concerning the Masquerade Party had been settled. Claire saw to it that even the tiniest detail had been discussed. She's determined to make the party a huge success and I witnessed how she's doing her best. I greatly appreciated her for that. 1

Claire contentently ate her Lava cake. A mysterious glint playing upon her sapphire eyes. 

"I couldn't wait to see the outcome of our plans." It was Arriane, slowly rising from her chair when we finished the superb dessert. I and Claire abandoned our seats and shook hands with her. 

"Arriane and I will make sure that this year's birthday celebration will be the most memorable day of your life." Claire exclaimed, the glint upon her eyes burned brighter. I was intrigued why but I kept the questions to myself. 

We walk towards the door while Claire continues to converse with Arianne. A uniformed staff opened the door for us, we thanked him and headed for the parking area to get our car. 

After saying our goodbyes, Arriane climbed on the driver's seat and turned the engine on. She's in a hurry, the florists and the owner of the catering service wanted to meet up with her to finalize the details regarding the party. 

We watched until her car was nowhere to be seen before making our way to the car. 

I slumped beside the driver's seat where Claire was seated. She's the one driving the car. 

The engine roared to life. 

When the car was smoothly running along the peaceful afternoon sky, Claire chatted about the party and how she couldn't wait to see me walk down the stairs with the enigmatic scarlet gown. 

I listened to her attentively, noting the tireless enthusiasm in her tone. I couldn't help but smile fondly every time she says something funny. Having Claire with me was like having a mom and a best friend at the same time. 

"You've been silent my dear. Aren't you happy?" She asked, throwing me a sideway glance before focusing her attention to the road. 

The sudden question startled me. It took me a few seconds to respond, "I'm happy Claire. It's just that I missed Ace so much and I wish he was here with me so I could celebrate my birthday with him." A sigh broke from my lips. 

She patted my hands reassuringly, "You'll be with my son very soon." She said, turning to my direction. Her lip was smiling. Before she turned her attention back to driving I caught a glimpse of another mysterious gleam in her eyes. 

When we arrived at the Crawford Mansion

Claire went inside the house first after I told her I'll call Lucas Nicholas and ask him how Ace was doing.

I developed a habit of calling him daily to check on Ace's just to make sure his condition is improving. Lucas Nicholas would be expecting my call. 

With my phone in my hand, I turned to the garden and his number. 

********

Lucas Nicholas sat on the chair in front of a glass window. The city glowed beautifully under an equally beautiful star-studded night in front of him. 

He enjoyed the scene, it gave him peace and cleared his mind off Alexandria, his wife. 

The luminescent scarlet liquid in the wine glass in his hand glowed against the light. It enchanted him that he lifted the glass in his lips and savored the sweetness of the vintage wine. He nearly closed his eyes as the warm liquid slithered on his throat. 

The sound of his phone vibrating snatched his attention. He knew she would call. 

He reached for his phone on top of the round table beside him and pushed the answer button. 

Just like before, Phoenix asked how Ace was doing. He told her the truth. "Ace's doing fine and his condition is getting better each day." 

She contentedly listened as he told her about Ace's progress. She was so jubilant about hearing her husband's miraculous improvement that he could almost imagine her wiping the tears in the corner of her eyes as he listened to his explanation. 

"I'm happy he was fine. I'm praying that his condition will continue to improve."

"Do you love Ace?" He asked.

There was a long, startled pause. 

"I do." She whispered. 

"Have you told him you love him?" 

There was a short pause again. "I didn't." She said in a tone laced with regret. "I have loved him since I was eighteen and probably I will continue to love him even after death. 

"Make sure you tell him that soon."

He lowered the phone on the table with a smile on his lips.

"Did you hear that Ace? She loves you." He said without looking at the man seated on the edge of the bed and quietly listening. 

"I'm not deaf." Ace replied irritably. "Why am I not allowed to call my wife?" 

"You will ruin the surprise everyone prepared for her if you do." He replied sternly. "Well at least you heard her voice." 

"It wasn't enough." He abandoned the bed and pulled a chair and sat beside him. Lucas grabbed the wine decanter and poured the contents into a glass then handed it to Ace. Ace had woken up in a coma almost a week ago and he was released from the hospital yesterday.

"You will be with her soon." Lucas promised. "I already booked a ticket. We will be flying back to Cordova this thursday." He added which Ace replied with a resigned sigh. 

"I couldn't wait, each day without seeing her was torture." He poured the contents of wine into his mouth and gave Lucas a sullen look. "If we were not best friends I could have punched you for this."

Lucas chuckled, ignoring his remark then asked. "Have you brought a gift yet?" 

"I bought a diamond solitaire for our engagement and a pair of gold bands." 

"I'm looking forward to becoming the Bestman."

"Let's just hope Phoenix would say yes. She will be mad at me for scaring her."

"Goodluck to that." Lucas replied, amusement dancing on his inky black eyes. 

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