Tears ran down my face as I struggled with the force that held my body. I wanted to ask him for help, but I couldn’t. I wanted to call out to him, but I failed. When I didn’t take his hand, he gave me a sad smile and stepped backwards, slowly vanishing into the air.

My eyes widened. No! Don’t go! Don’t leave me alone! Not again!

More tears ran as I tried to reach out to him, but I was still in my place. Then he vanished. I couldn’t see him anymore.

He was gone.

“Ace!” I jerked awake, frantically looking around. A tear had slipped down my face.

“Emerald? Jeez, are you all right?” I found him right beside me, looking back and forth between me and the road. Concern latched onto his face. “What happened, baby? Are you okay?”

I let out a shaky breath, my heart thudded in my chest. Closing my eyes, I ran my palms over my face.

I was dreaming. What kind of dream was that?

“Rosebud?”

I looked at him. He threw me worried glances, forehead creased.

He was right here.

“I’m fine. Just a bad dream.”

His frown deepened. “What was it?”

I turned away. “Nothing.” I didn’t want to replay it in my head.

“You called out my name.”

“So? I could call out anyone’s name. Not everything is about you! It’s none of your business!” My temper flared. I didn’t have any control over it.

His jaw clenched. “You’re pretty shaken up. What did you see?”

“I said it’s none of your business!”

“Damn it, Emerald! Can’t you just answer my question? I want to know what scared you that much!” he snapped, gazing at the road.

I didn’t answer. Instead, I looked out the window.

“Emerald!”

Silence.

With a curse, he cupped my chin and made me turn to him. His touch was soft as he brushed his thumb on my cheek.

“What happened, Rosebud? Please, tell me. What did you see?” His gentle tone soothed something in me as his patient eyes watched me.

Those gray pools compelled me to admit.

Gulping, I opened my mouth. He nodded in encouragement.

“I-I saw you with…”

A light fell on my eyes, blinding my vision, followed by some blare of horns. Cursing under his breath, he turned the wheel to the right. The tires screeched as the car lost its balance before crashing against something hard.

SEVENTEEN: ANONYMOUS GIFT?

A knock descended on my door.

“Coming!”

Putting the lipstick down on the dressing table, I opened the door. Judy, our house help, stood there with a white box in her hand.

“Sorry to disturb you, dear. But this has come for you,” she said, handing me the parcel.

For me?

“What’s in it? And who sent it?” I glanced down at the box.