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I took a deep breath, trying to process Mrs. Bree's words. Secrets, fears, demons - it sounded like Ace was carrying a heavy burden.
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But despite the warning, I couldn't help feeling drawn to him. Maybe it was the thrill of the unknown, or maybe it was the way he made me feel like I was the only person in the world.
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Whatever it was, I knew I had to make a choice. Was I going to take a chance on Ace, or was I going to play it safe?
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As I sat down to dinner, my mind was racing with thoughts of Ace. I couldn't concentrate on the conversation, and I found myself zoning out.
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It wasn't until I heard my phone buzz that I snapped back to reality. I glanced down to see a text from Ace.
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Before i could.read it, i heard a scream of SURPRISE.
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My heart skipped a beat.
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I screamed in surprise, running back upstairs, but was stopped by a laughing Mrs. Bree, who pulled me back down and gave us privacy. My mom was home, two weeks earlier than expected!
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I was overwhelmed, but she smiled and asked for a hug. I missed her so much! I asked if dad was home too, and he called out from behind, drinking wine. I ran to hug him, and he lifted me off the ground, joking that I'd gained weight.
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I Forgot all about dinner.
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Change of plans, we are going to dinner at a friend's place, and I wondered if I was the reason they came back early. I didn't want to get my hopes up, so I went with the third option. How many days are you home for? I asked, pouting. Take a guess, mom said.
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I Suddenly remembered Ace. Mom i will be right back.
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I rushed upstairs to find Ace gone, and I was upset he didn't wait to say goodnight. I put my shoes on and rushed back down to accompany my parents to Greenwich Estate, a beautiful mansion that made me realize the difference between being a billionaire, wealthy, or rich.
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We met Elizabeth, a beautiful blonde woman, who greeted us warmly. She showed us to the dining area, where we waited for her husband and son to join us. I felt a tense atmosphere and squeezed my mom's hand to reassure her.
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Edward, a tall, masculine figure with dull blue eyes, joined us, and I felt a sense of familiarity. He looked like Ace, or was I overthinking it? Ace arrived, and Elizabeth announced him, and I felt my breath hitch. He locked eyes with me, and I felt uncomfortable, but he seemed unphased.
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After dinner, he dragged me along, showing me around the house, while our parents talked. I had a bad feeling about leaving them behind, but Elizabeth said Ace would show me around. I smiled and hugged my mom, feeling like it would be the last time I saw her.
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As we walked, Ace's hand firmly held mine, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Where were we going? And why did I feel like I was being pulled into a secret world?
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We reached a door, and Ace opened it, revealing a beautiful garden. The moonlight cast a silver glow, and the sound of a fountain filled the air. It was breathtaking.
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"My favorite place," Ace said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I come here to think."
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I nodded, taking in the serene atmosphere. But my mind was racing with questions. What did Ace want from me? And why did I feel like I was trapped in a web of secrets?
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Suddenly, Ace stopped and turned to me. His eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.
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"Audrey," he said, his voice low and husky. "I have something to tell you. Something important."
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I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest. What was it? And why did I feel like this is a romantic proposal?
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