Peace
---
Ace sat on the edge of his couch, tapping on his phone, his brows knit together as he scrolled through messages and updates. He was so absorbed he didn't notice Gia enter the room. She was dressed casually in a pair of short denim shorts and an oversized baggy top, her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail that emphasized her sharp features. Noticing his intense focus, she crept up behind him and gently tapped his shoulder.
"Whoa—damn, Gia!" he exclaimed, jolting upright as his phone slipped from his hands. "You scared the hell out of me!"
Gia smirked, stifling a laugh as she slid onto the couch beside him, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Maybe if you weren't so glued to that phone, you'd notice when someone's around," she teased, stretching out as she rested her head on his chest, snuggling close.
Ace took a deep breath, relaxing back into the couch. "Alright, you got me," he muttered with a half-smile, draping an arm around her. "Didn't expect you to show up so suddenly, that's all."
She looked up at him, her eyes sharp. "So," she began, a hint of impatience in her tone, "you didn't think to call me after meeting with Thomas?"
Ace winced slightly, as if he'd been caught. "Oh… yeah, sorry about that. I was planning to tell you. Just, you know… things got a bit intense with him."
Gia propped herself up, her expression curious but guarded. "Intense? What do you mean? You've got to tell me everything," she pressed, eyes shining with interest.
Ace sighed, his fingers tapping lightly on her shoulder as he started recounting the conversation in detail. "Alright, so here's how it went down. I was sitting there waiting for him in the VIP lounge—trying to act cool, you know?" He let out a soft chuckle. "But the truth is, I was nervous as hell. Thomas is… well, Thomas, right? He's huge. Winning international awards, getting cast in every top project—he could make or break my career with a single word."
Gia listened intently, nodding along, her eyes locked on his as he continued.
"Anyway, after what felt like forever, he finally showed up," Ace continued, his voice dropping slightly. "And, damn, the guy looked like he walked straight out of a fashion ad. Like, this powerful aura, just… intense." He shook his head, a hint of awe mixed with resentment in his tone.
Gia arched a brow, smirking. "Aw, don't tell me you were intimidated?"
Ace snorted, rolling his eyes. "Please. I'm just saying—he made an entrance, alright?" He leaned in, his voice growing serious. "But that's not the point. As soon as he sat down, he cut right to it. Asked me what I wanted and why I'd even bothered reaching out."
Gia gasped, her eyes wide. "He said that? Just like that?"
Ace nodded. "Pretty much. But I didn't back down. I told him exactly what I wanted—an opportunity, a role in his next project, something that'd give me the boost I need. He didn't say anything at first, just… stared at me with this look, like he could see right through me." He paused, remembering the weight of Thomas's gaze. "And then he brought up Abigail."
Gia's eyes narrowed, her expression sharpening. "What did he say about her?"
"He asked me why I was trying to make myself look like a victim by dragging Abigail through the mud. Said it was cowardly," Ace muttered, his voice tinged with bitterness. "I denied it, of course. Told him Abigail was the one having an affair with her so-called 'best friend' and that I had no choice but to end things." His jaw tightened as he replayed the exchange in his mind. "But Thomas didn't buy it. He practically laughed in my face, said he knew it was a setup."
Gia's lips pressed into a tight line, her hands clenched. "And what did you say?"
Ace shrugged. "What could I say? I doubled down, told him it was true. That Abigail had been disrespecting our relationship, and that I wasn't going to be her fool."
Gia let out a low chuckle, shaking her head in disbelief. "So what did Thomas say after that?"
A sly smile crept onto Ace's face. "Well, after a bit of back and forth, he eventually agreed to help me. Said he'd talk to the producers and see if they could find a spot for me." He smirked, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "Guess he couldn't resist my persistence—or the pity angle."
Gia's face lit up, and she hugged him tightly, her voice filled with excitement. "I told you using Abigail as a pawn was a smart move!" she murmured. "We wouldn't be here if you hadn't let the world believe she was the one at fault."
Ace chuckled softly, basking in her praise, but he caught a flash of something in her eyes that he couldn't quite place. "You were right, Gia. Couldn't have done it without you," he admitted, a hint of sincerity slipping into his tone. He gave her a light squeeze, pulling her close.
As they settled back into the couch, Gia's expression turned thoughtful, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on his shirt. "Oh, speaking of Abigail…" she started, her voice taking on a mocking edge. "You should have seen her at the lecture hall today."
Ace's brow furrowed. "What happened?"
Gia let out a dry laugh, rolling her eyes. "She had this… confidence I'd never seen before. It was weird. She walked in like she owned the place, and the crowd couldn't stop staring. I could feel it—the entire vibe changed when she walked in."
Ace raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Confidence? Abigail?" He laughed dismissively. "You're joking, right?"
"No joke, Ace," Gia replied, crossing her arms. "She had this aura… I can't explain it. It was like she didn't care what anyone thought. She looked amazing, too. Green dress, high heels, everything. I barely recognized her."
Ace's smile faded, his expression hardening. "And… did you two talk?"
Gia's jaw clenched slightly, a bitter edge creeping into her voice. "I tried to say hello, but she had this… look in her eyes. Cold. Dangerous, even. When she spoke, she made it clear she wasn't intimidated by me. I could feel everyone around us watching, like they were just waiting for her to say something that'd put me in my place."
Ace frowned, his fingers drumming against the couch. "Did she… cause any problems?"
Gia shook her head, though her expression grew serious. "Not exactly. But it was more than just her attitude. She was talking to someone, one of the journalists. You know, the one who's always after a hot scoop?"
Ace's eyes narrowed, a hint of suspicion flashing in his gaze. "A journalist? What would she be talking to him for?"
Gia shrugged. "Honestly, I thought she might be trying to pay him off. You know, maybe get him to tone down the stories about her online." She leaned back, a faint smirk crossing her face. "Can't imagine it'll work, though. That kind of thing always finds a way back to the surface."
Ace let out a low chuckle, nodding. "I wouldn't worry about it. She can pay all she wants, but people love a good scandal. No amount of hush money will change that."
Gia grinned, clearly reassured. "Exactly. But still, you might want to keep an eye on her. I wouldn't underestimate her; she looked… different. Stronger, even."
Ace scoffed, dismissing the thought. "Abigail's all show, Gia. She might be acting tough now, but she doesn't have it in her to go up against us. Not for long, anyway."
They exchanged a knowing look, a silent agreement passing between them. In their eyes, Abigail was nothing more than a piece in their game—a pawn they had carefully positioned. And as far as they were concerned, that's exactly where she would stay.
Ace continued scrolling intently through his phone, completely absorbed in the messages and notifications that had piled up. His leg bounced with anticipation, his mind running through all the possibilities he was eager to explore. Suddenly, his phone buzzed, the name on the caller ID making his heart skip a beat.
He quickly picked up. "Hello?"
"Hello, am I speaking with Mr. Ace Dims?" The voice on the other end was polite and professional.
"Yes, this is Ace," he replied, trying to keep his tone casual even as his excitement rose.
"Good evening, Mr. Dims. I'm calling from Radam Productions. Mr. Thomas Mac mentioned your name to our producer, and they were quite impressed after reviewing your work. He called you… let's see—'a hidden gem.'" The woman's voice carried a smile he could almost hear.
Ace's breath caught, and he barely managed to keep his composure. "Wow, thank you… I—I really appreciate this opportunity."
The woman chuckled. "Our producer would like to meet you tomorrow morning at seven a.m. at Springforth Studios to discuss a role in our upcoming film. He thinks you'd be a great fit."
"I'll be there," Ace replied, his voice steady but laced with excitement. "Thank you so much."
"Perfect. We look forward to seeing you," she said warmly, and the line clicked off.
Ace set the phone down slowly, processing what had just happened. He looked up, his face lighting up as he met Gia's gaze, who had been watching him eagerly, picking up on his excitement.
"So?" she asked, practically bouncing in her seat. "Who was that?"
Ace broke into a grin, his voice brimming with pride. "It was Radam Productions. Thomas put in a word for me, and they're giving me a shot. I have a meeting tomorrow with the producer."
Gia let out a loud squeal, her face lighting up with sheer joy. "Ace, that's amazing! Finally, everything we've been working for! This is your big break!" She laughed, practically shaking with excitement. "And to think, if we hadn't played things just right, none of this would have happened."
Ace nodded, leaning back, the reality of the moment settling over him. "Exactly. She was holding me back, Gia. Now, this is my chance to show everyone what I'm capable of."
Gia's grin widened, her eyes gleaming with pride and ambition. "We're going to be the talk of the town, Ace. No more side stories—people are going to know our names." She paused, nodding as if she could already see it. "Tomorrow's just the beginning."
Ace chuckled, sharing her confidence. "Tomorrow, the real story starts."
---
Ed ended his call with Jane, taking a slow look around his new home on Flower Street. She had done well—really well. The small apartment was exactly what he'd wanted: comfortable but unassuming, with a kind of understated charm. She'd even added a few eye-catching pieces of furniture and appliances that gave the place warmth, making it feel more like a home than a temporary hideout. The wardrobe was stocked with a modest collection of clothes, just enough to blend in with the locals. He made a mental note to grab a few groceries later to complete the setup.
Feeling an urge to explore, he pulled on a dark hoodie and a pair of well-tailored gray pants, relaxed but fitted enough to highlight his tall, athletic build. His dark hair was freshly cut, framing his face in soft waves that added a casual elegance. His features were striking—a chiseled jawline, high cheekbones, and deep-set green eyes that seemed to hold both intensity and warmth. A faint shadow of stubble traced his jaw, giving him a rugged, effortlessly captivating look that had always drawn attention, though tonight, he was grateful for the anonymity.
As he left his apartment, Ed kept his hood up and walked casually down the street, feeling the cool night air on his face. He hailed a cab, directing the driver to a spot he'd noticed earlier on his walk—The Garden of the Lost. The name had struck him, and as he looked out the taxi window, he couldn't help wondering what kind of place would inspire such a name.
When he arrived, he immediately understood. The Garden of the Lost was tucked away, hidden in plain sight, with dim fairy lights strung between the trees and small tables scattered under the moonlit sky. It was peaceful, with people sitting quietly in pockets of solitude, lost in their own thoughts. For once, he wasn't Ed, the artist in the spotlight. Here, he was just another face in the crowd.
Ed grabbed a cup of coffee from the small café at the entrance and wandered toward a quiet corner beneath a yellow-flowered tree, its branches swaying gently in the night breeze. He took a seat, a real, genuine smile spreading across his face as he settled in.
There was no paparazzi lurking in the shadows, no cameras trying to catch his every move, no need to be cautious or guarded. Here, there was no one cheering for him or trying to earn his favor. He was just… Ed, sitting under a yellow tree in the soft, glowing moonlight. For the first time in years, he felt free. Free to breathe, to sit, to simply be, while everyone around him minded their own business.
As he took a sip of his coffee, he let the peacefulness of the place sink in. It was quiet, calming, and a stark contrast to the hectic life he'd left behind. There was something special about this place—something that made him feel grounded. He took a deep breath, letting the night air fill his lungs as he gazed around, and he knew, without a doubt, that he'd found something here worth coming back for.
Abigail paused outside a small café just around the corner from the Garden of the Lost, taking a deep breath. She needed a quiet place to think, to collect her thoughts and prepare herself for tomorrow. This spot, tucked away from the city's chaos, was her perfect hiding place. With her coffee in hand, she paid the cashier and made her way toward her favorite area—the yellow-flowered tree at the far end of the garden. Its familiar branches swayed gently in the evening breeze, bringing her a sense of comfort and calm she rarely felt anywhere else.
As she neared the tree, she noticed someone already sitting there, a man with an air of quiet elegance that seemed out of place in such a simple setting. His clothes were understated, yet there was something about him—perhaps the sharp line of his jaw, or the effortless way he carried himself—that reminded her of a celebrity.
She hesitated for a moment, observing him from a distance. He seemed completely at ease, as if he, too, was savoring a rare moment of solitude. His eyes were closed, a gentle smile resting on his lips as he leaned back, almost as if he were lost in the atmosphere of the garden itself. Abigail's curiosity stirred, but she reminded herself she'd come here to unwind, not to get distracted.
Steeling herself, she quietly approached the bench under the tree and took her usual seat, careful not to disturb him. He didn't even flinch, seemingly unaware that someone had joined him. His smile remained, and there was something almost… charming in his unguarded expression, as if he were completely absorbed in the peacefulness of the place.
Abigail sipped her coffee, stealing glances at him, wondering who he might be and what had brought him here tonight.
"Peace is definitely a gift," Ed said suddenly, his voice breaking the gentle silence under the yellow tree. He opened his eyes, sipping his coffee as he took in the quiet around them.
Without glancing his way, Abigail responded, almost instinctively. "And this gift is only received by those who know its true value."
The answer caught Ed off guard. He turned, intrigued by the voice that had spoken with such calm wisdom, only to freeze when he recognized the face beside him. Abigail. His mind raced as he took her in, as stunned as if fate had set this moment up itself. She was the woman he'd nearly knocked over in his rush, the same woman who had run out of his home when he'd offered to drive her back.
"Abigail!" he exclaimed softly, still processing the surprise of finding her here. He hadn't planned to see her, at least not yet, and certainly not like this. "Of all places…" he murmured, letting out a low chuckle.
Abigail's face registered shock, her breath catching as she took a quick step back, unsure of how to respond. Her mind flashed back to that night—the brief encounter that had ended with her abruptly leaving his place. She'd never expected to run into him again, especially not here, in her little refuge.
"Oh… Ed," she finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper, eyes wide as the moment hung heavy between them. She felt a mix of surprise and a pang of embarrassment creeping in. What would he think of her now?
Ed watched her, sensing her discomfort but trying to ease the tension. "It's… good to see you," he said, choosing his words carefully. "Didn't think I'd meet anyone I knew here, let alone you."
Abigail's lips parted as if to say something, but she paused, unsure of how to explain. She still remembered how she'd bolted from his place without giving him an explanation. Her gaze dropped, and she spoke with hesitation, "I… I didn't expect to see you here either."
Ed smiled, his tone soft. "Neither did I. Life has a strange way of throwing us where we least expect." He looked at her, his expression genuinely open. "I hope… I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable back then."
She hesitated, then managed a small smile, her guard lowering slightly. "No, it's… it's not that," she said, glancing down at her coffee, her voice barely audible. "I just… sometimes things are… complicated."
Ed nodded, as if he understood without pressing further. "Well, maybe here's a good place to start fresh. This place, this quiet… it has a way of calming things, doesn't it?"
Abigail looked at him, surprised at his understanding. "It does," she replied, her voice softer, more at ease. The tension of their unexpected encounter began to fade, leaving a fragile yet genuine connection between them under the yellow-flowered tree.