Chapter 177 - ACE'S SECRET
Damm, I missed him so much, I realize as I gaze at the photograph in my hand.
I pulled myself together and gently lowered the fragile object on the top of the carpet and wiped the tears on my cheeks with the back of my palms.
'Stop crying now. Ace would not want to see that tears in your eyes.' Said a part of my brain and instantly I stopped crying.
Taking a deep breath, I resumed rummaging inside the box in search of other valuables until I came across with a thick sketchbook.
With eyes wide, I eyed the sketchbook with growing curiosity as I settled it on top of my lap. After flipping the cover, the first drawing that came to my view was a colored drawing of me.
A gasp of surprise tear on my lips.
It was the night of the party I was introduced as Beatrix Crawford to the public.
I didn't almost recognize myself at first but after a long, intent look it dawned on me that I was the woman descending down the staircase in a stunning gown in the color of fiery flame. My chin was slightly tilted forward in a defiant manner while my eyes shone bright as if the stars and the moon shone in it.
Ace was able to capture the emotion dancing on my face making the drawing realistic. It requires a remarkable memory and keen eyes to make the drawing so breathtakingly detailed as if it was real.
Below the drawing a quote was scribbled and it reads:
'And one day she discovered that she was fierce and strong and full of fire. And not even she could hold herself back. Because her passion burned brighter than her fears.'
The quote was beautiful and I revelled in it. My fingers traced the fine strokes of his handwriting, it almost looked as if it belonged to a woman based on its neatness. Not only could he paint but he could write well too.
I turned to the next page and instantly I was filled with amazement seeing myself in my favorite off shoulder dress with floral prints with the garden as my background.
Cradled into my arms was Faith while soft morning sunshine caressed my face.
The painting was able to capture the tender look upon my eyes while I gaze at my daughter. Ace was very good when it comes to portraying emotions in his work.
Looking at the drawing made nostalgic memories come flashing back at me.
I flipped the pages again and again. I was surprised to know?that all of the drawings were of me and it was taken inside the Crawford Mansion during the first few weeks he arrived and became father's personal gardener.
Ace must have been sneaking and secretly making his drawing without me even noticing it. He must have drawn them when I wasn't looking at him. I wonder how he was able to do that.
There was a drawing of me strolling on the lawn alone, the subtle wind brushing to my flushed cheeks as it danced to the length of my hip length hair. There was a mysterious glint upon my eyes as I looked at the sun, slowly descending from the horizon.
I couldn't recall that day nor could I understand the expression playing on my face at that moment. I wonder if it was longing or loneliness. I don't know.
Shrugging my shoulders, I flipped to the next page and the next until I reached the very end. Another wave of surprise hit through me when my gaze landed on our first ever family picture.
On a single white Victoria Sofa, I sat primly, cradling Faith in my arms who was wrapped in a light pink cloth. My inky black hair cascaded down my back like a waterfall. My chin was set into a defiant manner, my eyes shone with determination as I looked straight ahead.
Standing beside me was Vien. A sweet smile could be seen on her angelic face. She was wearing a lavender dress with a ribbon tied on her tiny waist matched with beaded shoes with the same color as her dress. Standing on her back, with his left hand holding Vien's small shoulders and his right arm draped protectively on my shoulder was Ace.
He looked so simple and yet so gorgeous with his casual jeans and white shirt. Few loose hairs strands playfully cover his forehead giving him a boyish appeal.
Ace?longed for a complete family and that time the only way to make it possible is to create a memory through painting.
Once more tears welled my eyes and blurred my vision. I told myself to be strong but it sometimes gets difficult when I think of him lying on the hospital bed with various apparatus attached to his helpless body while I wonder when he will wake up.
What if he never wake up again? Asked a part of my brain that made my heart bear like crazy inside my chest.
No! Ace would wake up! A part of my brain argued and I believe it. I dried my tears using the back of my palms and forced myself to return back to work. Negative thoughts will never take me anywhere, a logical part of my brain told me.
I closed the canvass and placed it on top of the table so I could look at it later.
Sighing, I turned my attention to the box and peered inside. I saw nothing except some of Ace's clothes and bottom wears.
Slowly, I emptied the box and place the contents on top of the carpet.
The scent of his favorite cologne still lingered on his clothes. I momentarily closed my eyes as I carried his favorite t-shirt close to my nose and inhaled its sweet scent until it comforted me.
When I finally lowered the t-shirt and peered inside the box to make sure it was empty, a sealed envelope caught my attention. I picked it up and looked at it closely and noticed that it was dated a year ago.
My fingers hastily tear the envelope then pulled the document inside. I spread the the paper and my gaze read through the words written.
It can't be! It's impossible!
My fingers gripped to the glass table for support. It's a good thing I was sitting on a chair or I would have collapsed to the floor.
What I learned tonight was enough to shook me.
Ace and I was still married.
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