Chapter 77 – Something Missing

Isabelle Reinhart.

The wedding ceremony had concluded, and the reception was in full swing. Guests mingled, chatted, and enjoyed their meals. I found myself seated at one of the tables, savoring the delicious food, but my eyes constantly roamed around the room, searching for Ace. He'd been acting strangely all day, avoiding my gaze, and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on.

I silently hoped that Ace would return soon, especially with the dance portion of the evening approaching. We had planned to dance together, and it would be a shame if he missed it.

After finishing my meal, Alex called me to get some pictures together and we took some with the happy couple and then separately as well before I decided to ask him, "Have you seen Ace? I can't seem to find him anywhere."

Alex glanced around the room, his brow furrowing. "No, I haven't seen him either since the food was served. That's odd."

A sense of unease settled in my stomach. I thanked Alex and returned to my seat, feeling a bit restless as I continued to search for Ace in the crowd.

As the evening progressed, the time for dancing arrived. The newlywed couple, Noah and Emily, made their way to the center of the dance floor, their faces radiant with happiness as they swayed to the music. I smiled as I watched them, genuinely happy for them.

However, my excitement waned as I realized that Ace was supposed to be dancing with me, and he was nowhere to be found. I scanned the room, but there was no sign of him. Disappointment weighed on me, and I sighed, resigning myself to the fact that he might have skipped out on our dance.

I took a seat at one of the nearby chairs, my fingers lightly fidgeting with the fabric of my dress as I watched other couples take the dance floor. It was a bittersweet sight, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of worry as I sat there. It was unlike Ace to pull something like that.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, Zach appeared beside me. I turned to him with a slightly puzzled expression. "Hey, Zach. Have you seen Ace? I was supposed to dance with him, but I can't find him anywhere."

Zach smiled knowingly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He shrugged casually and said, "Ace is calling you outside."

I furrowed my brow, my confusion deepening. "Is he all right?"

Zach merely smiled again and walked away without answering my question, leaving me with more questions than answers.

A sense of confusion settled over me as I rose from my chair and made my way toward the exit.

I stepped outside the bustling reception hall, my eyes scanning the area in search of Ace. The night air was crisp and refreshing, a stark contrast to the warmth and laughter inside. My heart was filled with a mix of curiosity and concern as I tried to locate him.

My gaze wandered, and then I found him. Ace was leaning against the brick wall, a small, enigmatic smile playing on his lips as his eyes were fixed on me. Relief washed over me at the sight of him, but also curiosity about why he'd been missing for so long.

With exasperation, I lifted my arms in question as I approached him. "Where have you been?" I asked, a hint of reproach in my voice.

Ace just shrugged nonchalantly, closing the distance between us. His arms lightly wrapped around my waist, and he pulled me close, capturing my lips in a tender kiss that instantly made my worries melt away.

I needed to do something about his damn kisses.

"Why aren't you inside?" I mumbled against his lips, my fingers tracing the contours of his jacket.

He pulled back slightly, his gaze locked onto mine, his eyes filled with a mixture of emotions. "I hate people.”

I couldn't help but smile, shaking my head at his response. "Have I told you how ravishing you look today?" Ace's voice was filled with admiration as he admired me.

I cheekily replied, "No, but you still have time."

He chuckled again and then asked, "Princess, do you trust me?"

I met his gaze, my heart skipping a beat. "With my life," I replied without hesitation.

Ace's smile widened, and he said, "Then come with me."

I furrowed my brow in confusion. "Where?" I asked, not quite sure what he had in mind.

He just smiled mysteriously and responded, "No questions."

I tilted my head to the side, my curiosity piqued, and asked, "But do I need to change first?"

Without giving me a chance to finish, Ace cut in, "No. Right now. As you are. Come with me."

I paused for a moment, considering his words. The sense of adventure, the mystery in his eyes, it all intrigued me. Finally, I smiled and nodded, giving in to the excitement. "Okay.”

Ace's smile brightened, and he gently took my hand. "Okay?" he echoed.

I nodded again, my heart pounding with a mix of exhilaration and curiosity. "Okay," I repeated.

*****

The sleek black car glided smoothly through the city streets, the dim glow of streetlights casting a soft ambiance inside. I sat in the backseat, my heart racing as Ace's fingers lazily traced the slit in my dress, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. His touch, feather-light and sensuous, sent shivers down my spine, and I struggled to maintain my composure.

Ace, on the other hand, appeared entirely unfazed. He had his other hand occupied with a phone, fingers dancing over the screen as he engaged in a seemingly endless text conversation. His touch accidentally lingered on my inner thigh, excruciatingly close to my core and my breath hitched involuntarily, my insides burning with desire. I couldn't help but react as I practically froze in place.

Sensing my reaction, Ace finally tore his attention away from his phone, his lips curling into a teasing smirk. I couldn't resist hitting him, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment and desire all at once. His laughter filled the car, a warm and enticing sound that sent a rush of butterflies through me.

Soon, we arrived at the airport, and I furrowed my brow in confusion as I exchanged a questioning look with Ace. However, he silenced me with a single gesture, placing his fingers to my lips and murmuring, "No questions."

We made our way to Ace's private jet. I settled into the bed as Ace took off his jacket, my curiosity burning as I finally couldn't hold back my question any longer. "Ace," I began, "why have you been on your phone all day?"

He merely shrugged, slipping the phone into his pocket as he settled beside me in the cozy room. "Business," was his concise response.

I couldn't help but pout slightly at his vague reply, but I let it slide. The sight of him, his easy confidence and the air that always surrounded him, was too captivating to stay annoyed for long.

As the plane taxied down the runway, I felt a familiar wave of anxiety wash over me. My phobia of flying was well-known, but Ace had an uncanny ability to make me forget it even existed.

He gently coaxed me to sit on his lap, his lips finding mine in a tender, reassuring kiss. The world outside faded away as I melted into his embrace, my heart calmed by his presence.

With a subtle jolt, the plane lifted into the sky, and we were airborne. I rested against Ace's chest, my fingers entwined with his, feeling completely at ease as we soared through the clouds.

*****

As I slowly stirred from my slumber, I found myself cocooned in the warmth of soft sheets and the scent of the sea. The disorientation of waking up in an unfamiliar place slowly gave way to recognition. The memories from earlier were hazy, but I vaguely recalled Ace carrying me in his strong arms.

I blinked away the last remnants of sleep, realizing that I was no longer on a plane. My clothes had been replaced by Ace's white button-up shirt, and I peered inside to confirm that I was still wearing my undergarments.

Ace was nowhere to be seen, and I huffed softly in mild annoyance as I slid out of bed. The room was dimly lit by the moonlight filtering through the window, revealing a breathtaking view of the ocean beyond.

With a quiet determination, I left the room, following the soft glow of lights down the stairs. The tantalizing aroma of food wafted through the air, leading me further. It wasn't long before I found myself in the kitchen.

There, Ace stood shirtless, his back to me, cooking something delectable on the stove. My heart skipped a beat at the sight, and I couldn't help but smile, leaning against the doorframe to watch him.

As if sensing my presence, he turned his head, his lips curving into a warm smile. "You're up, sleepyhead," he greeted me, putting the spatula down and walking over.

He wrapped his arms around my waist, and our lips met in a sweet, lingering kiss. Then, he effortlessly lifted me into his arms, carrying me towards the living room. We settled on the couch, with me seated comfortably on his lap.

"You look sexy in my shirt," he murmured against my lips, causing me to blush and smile.

I couldn't help but ask, "What are you cooking? I'm hungry." My gaze drifted back to the kitchen.

Ace held my chin gently, directing my attention back to him, and replied, "It's not ready yet." He laid me down on the couch, his lips finding mine again in a passionate kiss. His hands began to tease, trailing up and down my thighs as desire smoldered between us.

He tilted my head to the side, gaining access to my neck, and his hand played with the waistband of my panties. A low, wanton moan escaped my lips as he dragged a finger up and down my core through the fabric.

His voice, laced with desire, whispered in my ear, "You know how painful it was to watch you today, looking like that, and not being able to touch you?"

As Ace's skilled fingers moved with precision, my body responded to his touch. The delicate lace of my underwear was pushed aside, allowing his fingers to glide along my wet, heated core. Pleasure surged through me as his touch ignited a growing need within.

His fingers settled on my clit, and he began to rub in slow, sensual circles. My moans intensified, and I couldn't help but bury my fingers in his hair, gripping it tightly as waves of desire coursed through my body.

The room seemed to vanish, the only sensations that mattered were the electrifying ones he was delivering. Each stroke of his fingers sent me deeper into a realm of ecstasy, and I surrendered to the pleasure that he expertly coaxed from me.

With Ace's intimate touch and his lips trailing kisses along my neck and collarbone, I felt myself spiraling towards the peak of desire, until I came all over his fingers and he smiled in satisfaction. Licking his fingers with pure desire and a satisfactory smirk, he got up and disappeared out the door, while I lay there panting as sweat rolled down my forehead.

Not a minute later he came back with a small towel and he cleaned my legs and helped me get dressed as I blushed like a tomato under his gaze.

After Ace disappeared into the kitchen, leaving me in the lounge, I couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about what he was up to. His weird behavior only heightened my intrigue. When I called out to ask if he needed any help, his response was a simple, "No, stay in the lounge."

With nothing else to do, I spent nearly fifteen minutes aimlessly exploring the beautiful beach house. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was soothing, and the gentle ocean breeze whispered promises of a serene evening.

Just as I was beginning to wonder where Ace had disappeared to, he appeared from behind me, wearing a white button-up shirt. I raised an eyebrow in question, unable to hide my curiosity.

"C'mon, the food's ready," he said with a charming grin, taking my hand in his and leading me toward the kitchen.

However, instead of heading for the counter as I expected, Ace guided me outside onto a spacious balcony. My eyes widened in astonishment as I took in the sight that awaited me.

A small table was set in the center of the balcony, adorned with delicate fairy lights arranged around it. In the midst of these lights, a single candle stood, casting a soft, romantic glow. The table was set with exquisite dishes, and the aroma of a mouthwatering meal filled the air.

I couldn't help but gasp as I gazed at the scene before me, my heart swelling with all sorts of emotions for Ace. "When did you manage to do all this?" I asked in awe.

Ace simply shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes, and replied, "No questions, remember?"

I couldn't help but smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. We took our seats at the table, the ambiance around us adding to the magic of the moment.

Ace was a really good chef was all I had to say.

There was grilled lobster drizzled with garlic butter, creamy risotto with mushrooms, and a crisp salad with a really delicious dressing.

“This beach house was the first thing I bought after getting my first million dollar project,” Ace started and I nodded, telling him to go on.

The sound of the waves crashing against the shore seemed to prompt him to open up, and I listened intently, my heart swelling with affection for this man.

"William took Noah and I used to visit various beaches when we were kids," Ace started, his eyes distant with fond memories. "Those times were like core memories for me, you know? Building sandcastles, playing in the surf, and watching the sunset. Not really knowing what life held for me."

I nodded, understanding how hard it must’ve been for him. Those memories seemed to be etched into Ace's soul, and I could tell they held a special place in his heart even after twenty years.

He continued, "I bought this beach house a while back, but not even Noah knew it existed. I come here whenever I need to sort my thoughts, especially when things get too overwhelming."

A sense of privilege washed over me. "You're the first person to ever come here besides me," he admitted, his eyes locked onto mine.

Surprise and overwhelming love welled up within me as I reached out to hold his hand, our fingers intertwining. The fact that he had shared this secret place with me spoke volumes about our relationship.

Ace went on to explain, "The sound of the waves, it helps me think better. They soothe my tense thoughts, remind me of the time that existed before life happened."

Ace's words hung in the air, heavy with emotion, as he confessed the emptiness he had felt. My heart pounded in my chest, and I swallowed hard, a lump forming in my throat.

"But recently, whenever I come to this place, I feel as if something is missing," Ace admitted, his voice soft but his eyes filled with intensity. "Even this place doesn't seem perfect to me anymore. It doesn't seem to wash away all my worries. But then it clicked…"

I blinked back tears, unable to find my voice as the tension in the air grew almost unbearable. His words hung in the air like a question, and then he asked, "You know what it's missing?"

My heart raced, and I could only shake my head, my emotions too overwhelming to put into words.

Ace smiled gently, his eyes never leaving mine. "You," he answered, and the room seemed to spin around me. "Because even when I'm here, my thoughts are occupied with you. I can't seem to get you out of my head. It was annoying at first, but then I realized only one thing can save me."

He stood up, and my eyes brimmed with tears of emotion as I whispered, "What..."

Ace reached for his phone and pressed a button. In an instant, the wall behind him burst to life with a cascade of fairy lights, illuminating the room with a soft, warm glow. A golden neon sign in the middle of it all took my breath away. It read, "Marry me, Princess?" and was surrounded by a sea of red roses.

My breath caught in my throat as I gasped. Ace went down on one knee before me, his eyes glistening with unspoken emotion. My heart thundered in my chest as he held out a small velvet box, its contents hidden from view.

"Marry me, my Princess?" he asked, his voice filled with vulnerability. "You can say no, but that doesn't mean I'll let you go. I'll do this again next year, and again and again until I'm worthy of you, Isabelle. I’ll show you that I can change for you. That I won’t give up again. Not on you. Not on us."

I couldn't hold back my tears any longer, and I sat down in front of him, my uncontrollable sobs echoing through the room. Ace looked at me expectantly, his eyes nervous and vulnerable and I held his hands in mine.

"Yes. A hundred times yes!" I managed to say between my sobs, my heart overflowing with the love I had for this man. Ace reached out, his arms wrapping around me as he pulled me close, his head resting against my neck. I hugged him tightly, feeling the warmth of his embrace, and he held me close, both of us lost in the profound moment.

Tears of happiness mingled with our laughter, and as we clung to each other. Ace held my face in his hands and brushed away the tears from my face.

I knew that this was a memory that would forever be etched in our hearts, a moment when Ace had asked me to be his forever, and I had eagerly said yes.

Because there was no place else I’d rather be, but here. With him. Forever.