He has been like this since his dad died. Our families weren’t close, they always preferred their privacy. So, no one really knew what happened to his dad. But whatever happened, it changed my Ace drastically. And it made my heart ache for him.

Running upstairs, I changed into the white gown Dad had brought me and removed my makeup. Once satisfied with my new, much natural look, I headed back downstairs.

Ignoring Cassie and Beth’s raised brows, I went to find Ace again.

Tobias and Tess were busy chatting with their friends, but he wasn’t there.

“Hey, Em!” Tobias called out.

Smiling, I walked to them.

“Aren’t you forgetting something, little sis?”

Chuckling, I hugged him tight. “Happy birthday!”

He lifted me off the ground, getting a squeal out of me.

“Where is my gift?” he asked once he put me down.

Tobias loved his birthday gift from me. He loved the red velvet cake I baked him since I honed my skills in baking. And so did Ace.

“You will get it after the party. It’s in the fridge,” I replied, my gaze going back to the crowd for a moment.

And there he was, standing at a corner beside a table. With a drink in his hand, he looked deep in thought.

“Happy birthday!” I wrapped my arms around Tess.

“Thanks!” She pulled back. “You changed?” Her eyes raked over my gown.

Mark, a boy in their group, slapped Ace’s back, greeting him. He didn’t reciprocate the gesture. And when Mark went to reach for the glass in his hand, a sharp look from him made the poor boy back away.

“That dress was slightly uncomfortable,” I said absentmindedly. My eyes set on him. “I will be back in just a minute.”

When I went to move, she caught my arm and dragged me away from her friends’ earshot. “You’re going to confess tonight, aren’t you?”

I let out a gasp. How did she know?

“Don’t.” Her tone was sharp. “You will only be heartbroken.”

Frowning, I snatched my arm from her grip. “How do you know? Who knows, maybe he likes me too.”

“Don’t be foolish, Em. Just because he is soft with you doesn’t mean he harbors any kind of feelings for you,” she said. “And you and I both know he only cares for you as a brother, not a lover. So don’t embarrass him with your stupidness. He is already disturbed with his own problems.”

Her words stung. I always feared his kindness towards me might be just a brotherly love. But deep down, I felt there was more than that. It may be stupid and nonsense, but my heart told me not to lose hope.

I won’t know unless I confront him, right?