The Ace and the Four Kings
Xyrine Jean's POV
"Why does it feel like Spade hasn't been coming to school for two weeks?"
Ella's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. We had just finished our cotillion practice for the upcoming Ball. I glanced at her briefly but quickly averted my gaze, unable to answer her question. Instead, my eyes flickered toward Ten and Ren, who were also practicing with us—everyone except Spade, who had dropped out of the rehearsals. When I looked at them, they, too, avoided my gaze.
Two weeks. It had been exactly that long since I last spoke to him. The last time we talked, he had jokingly proposed to me. I turned him down, of course, knowing he wasn't serious. After that, so much had happened. Ella and I almost got kicked out of Montreal when her father lost his job, and if it hadn't been for Spade, we probably would have been. But then, after everything, he disappeared. Two weeks without a word.
As I lowered my head in thought, I felt a comforting hand rest on my shoulder.
"Don't worry. He just has something to take care of—that's why he hasn't been around," Ren reassured me with a gentle smile.
"He's probably just plotting how to get rid of Uncle Conrad," Ten joked, making me let out a small chuckle.
So, it was still about his father. That explained his absence.
"It's okay, cousin. I'm sure you're not the only one who misses him. You both probably do," Ella added with an encouraging smile. I responded with a small, forced smile of my own.
I wanted to believe that. But if he missed me too, why couldn't he at least send a text or call?
The thoughts weighed heavier on me until the sudden ringing of my phone pulled me back. My heart leaped, hoping—praying—that it was Spade. But when I pulled it out and saw the caller ID, my shoulders slumped.
"Hello?"
Silence. Nothing but quiet breathing on the other end. I was about to end the call when a voice finally broke through.
["How have you been?"]
My heart stilled before racing uncontrollably. I shot to my feet, my eyes darting around as if I could spot him in the crowd.
"Spade! Are you here? Tell me where you are—I'll come to you!" My voice trembled with urgency as I started running aimlessly, searching. Ella and the others called after me, but I ignored them.
"Spade, where are you?!" My frustration seeped into my tone when he didn't answer immediately.
["I should be the one looking for you. I'm sorry."]
I gripped my phone tightly. "What are you talking about? Where are you? Why haven't you been coming to school? What's wrong?"
["I can't say it yet, but trust me, everything will be okay soon."]
My steps faltered. "Spade..." My voice barely came out as a whisper. I lowered my head, swallowing hard before finally admitting, "I... I miss you."
Silence.
Then, the call ended.
I lifted my head and let out a hollow laugh, my chest tightening.
"Spade, why?"
The Day of University Ball
"Cuz, hurry up! I'm dying to show off my masterpiece to your ridiculously handsome escorts!" Ella's voice carried from downstairs.
I chuckled but sighed as I turned back to my reflection in the mirror. I wore a black glittery ball gown that shimmered under the dim light. My makeup was minimal, accentuating my natural features, and my long, jet-black hair was elegantly braided—Ella's handiwork.
Simple. Yet, as always, I struggled to recognize myself in the mirror.
Forcing a smile, I took a deep breath and stepped out of my room.
As I descended the grand staircase, I noticed Ren and Ten waiting at the bottom. Their eyes widened in awe, their mouths slightly agape. I nearly laughed at their expressions.
With each step I took, a familiar image crept into my mind.
What if Spade were the one waiting for me down there? What if he were the one holding out his hand?
I shook the thought away and put on a bright smile as I reached Ren and Ten. They extended their hands toward me in perfect unison, and I accepted them both.
"I... I have no words," Ten finally spoke, still looking stunned.
"I swear, I would trade anything in this world for this privilege. You look absolutely breathtaking, Xyrine," Ren added, his voice almost reverent.
I laughed softly. "You guys say the most ridiculous things."
"We mean it! Too bad Spade isn't here to see what we see," Ten blurted out before realizing his mistake.
I averted my gaze, a lump forming in my throat.
"Idiot! Don't you get it? He arranged for us to escort Xyrine because he couldn't be here himself! It's practically the same as him escorting her!" Ren scolded, as if that made things better.
He arranged this? So he really had no plans of coming?
How long was he going to keep avoiding me?
"Why hasn't he shown up yet?" Ella voiced the very question running through my mind.
"He's... busy. Taking care of the Sy family business," Ten answered hesitantly.
I clenched my jaw.
That was all? Was he really too busy to even send a message?
"Well, shall we?" Ren suggested, trying to lighten the mood.
I forced a nod and smiled. We piled into the car, but just as we were about to leave, I realized I had left my phone upstairs.
"I forgot my phone! I'll be right back!" I called out, dashing inside. They simply nodded in response.
As I picked up my phone, it vibrated in my hand. My breath hitched when I saw the sender.
[ From*****: Wait for me.]
My hands tightened around the device.
Wasn't this the same number Spade used to call me? Wait for me? What did he mean?
"Xyrine, let's go!" Ten called from inside the car.
I stared at my phone, then at them, my mind warring with itself.
Then, I made my decision.
"Go ahead without me! I have someone to wait for!" Without hesitation, I shut the car door and ran to the driver's side. "Please, take them now!" I urged the driver.
With no other choice, the car sped away, leaving me alone in the dimly lit garden of Ella's house.
I clutched my phone to my chest, whispering to the wind, "No matter what, I'll wait for you, Spade. I promise."
After 15 Minutes
I glanced at my wristwatch. The Ball was starting in an hour. My heartbeat quickened, but I steadied myself.
No. It didn't matter if I missed it. All that mattered was waiting for him.
After 30 Minutes
My phone buzzed nonstop with calls from Ella, Ten, Ren, and even our professor. I ignored them all.
Spade told me to wait. And I would.
After 1 Hour
Cousin Ella calling…
I sighed before finally answering.
"Xyrine, the cotillion starts in fifteen minutes! Where are you?!"
"At home."
"WHAT?! Why are you still there?!"
I shut my eyes tightly. "I'm waiting for him."
"Who?! Don't tell me Spade?! Xyrine, listen, no matter how long you wait, he's not coming becau—" TOOT!
I ended the call, tilting my head back to stop the tears from falling.
After a long moment, I exhaled shakily and stood up.
"Spade... I'm sorry. I don't think I can wait anymore." With a heavy heart, I turned and ran toward the event hall.
EVENT PLACE
Just minutes before the cotillion was set to begin, I arrived at the Event Hall. As soon as I stepped inside, I was momentarily taken aback by the sheer number of people gathered. While making my way through the crowd, I couldn't ignore the countless pairs of eyes fixated on me.
I wanted to force a bitter smile. Perhaps I was the first woman they had ever seen walk into a cotillion without an escort. If only I had waited for Ten, Ren, and Ella earlier, I wouldn't be making this entrance alone, looking utterly foolish.
I must have resembled a damsel in distress, making my way across the grand hall, when suddenly, two men appeared before me and bowed in unison.
"It's our honor to escort the most beautiful lady here. May we?" one of them asked.
I stared at them, momentarily speechless. It was only now that I noticed just how strikingly handsome they both were. Dressed in elegant white tuxedos, their masks only added to their mysterious allure.
Why was I still waiting for him when his friends were right here? He had already entrusted me to them, hadn't he?
With a deep breath, I extended both hands. Ten took my left, while Ren held my right. As we walked forward, all eyes followed us. Some murmured praises about my appearance, while others repeatedly whispered, "She's so lucky."
If only they knew.
A few moments later, the lights dimmed as the cotillion was about to begin, and we were positioned at the center of the hall.
(AN: Bring Me the Night by Sam Tsui. Please listen to this song while reading. I swear, it's beautiful, you will feel the vibe.)
Measuring days in the spaces between our goodbyes
Learning to wait through the endless parade
Of our same old see-you-next-time's
A humorless chuckle threatened to escape my lips. Even the song seemed to mock my situation.
But when I close my eyes, the miles melt away
Like you're here in my arms at the end of the day
The melody was romantic, yet I couldn't bring myself to smile.
So bring me the night, send out the stars
'Cause when I'm dreaming, we don't seem so far
Darken the sky and light up the moon
As the dance progressed, we switched partners. I greeted those I barely knew with polite smiles.
"Xyrine, do you miss him?" Ren suddenly asked when it was his turn to dance with me.
I gave him a wry smile. "Terribly."
"Don't worry. By the end of tonight, you won't have to."
My head snapped up. "What do you mean?" I wanted to ask, but before I could, we had already switched partners again.
Swear I don't know if the days are as slow as they seem
Wondering when you'll be with me again and this
Finally can be more than just a dream
"Xyrine, make a wish," Ten said with a soft smile when we were finally paired.
I frowned in confusion but played along. If I had one wish tonight, there was only one thing in my mind—even if it seemed impossible.
"I want to see him," I murmured, looking down.
"Wish granted."
I lifted my gaze abruptly. Just like with Ren, I wanted to question him, but before I could, we had already switched partners again.
What was wrong with those two? Why were they saying things like that? Did they realize what they were doing?
They were making me hope too much. It hurt.
So bring me the night, send out the stars
'Cause when I'm dreaming, we don't seem so far
Darken the sky and light up the moon
As I awaited my next partner, the lights suddenly went out. Yet, strangely enough, the music continued to play.
So that somehow you'll be here with me soon
Bring me the night
Just as I was about to step away, someone firmly grasped my hand. I was about to protest, but before I could speak, he pulled me close, wrapping an arm securely around my waist.
My heart pounded wildly.
That grip… That pull… The warmth of his hand…
Wait… don't tell me…
I could still feel his hold on me when, at last, the lights flickered back on.
And it's enough knowing you
(I know that you're) are calling to me
While you're dreaming beneath the same moon
My breath hitched as my eyes locked onto the figure standing before me.
He wore a half-mask, but…
All it takes is imagining you
So that I can get through
One more long and lonely day
His posture. His physique. His hair.
And especially—his lips. They were the same as…
"Spade?" I whispered breathlessly.
The silence that followed made my heart race. I reached out, intending to remove his mask, but before I could, he swiftly pulled me into a tight embrace.
Bring me the night
That brings me to you
I could hear my own heartbeat hammering against my chest as the lights went out once again. His hold tightened, and I gasped softly.
"Xyrine, I missed you like crazy."
Tears welled in my eyes at the sound of his voice. My emotions swirled in a chaotic storm within me. The moment the lights came back on, I opened my eyes—
Only to find myself alone in the center of the hall.
I looked around, stunned. Everyone in the crowd was watching me with knowing smiles. Moments later, my cotillion partners bowed, prompting me to do the same, albeit in a daze.
"Ren, Ten. Who was that man?" I demanded, turning to them.
But they only smiled in response.
"That man… I know it was Spade!" I insisted.
I was about to push past them to search for him when Ren caught my arm. "He'll come to you, but not tonight," he said gently.
I lowered my gaze, biting my lip to keep the frustration at bay.
When? When? I wanted to scream, but I held myself back.
After everything that happened, I retreated to our designated table, trying to calm myself. I spent the rest of the night sitting there, replaying the events over and over in my head.
"Xyrine, are you okay?" Ella asked.
I gave her a small nod, even though my mind was a whirlwind of emotions.
"Don't think about Spade too much," she said with a knowing smile.
"Don't think about him? But I'm losing my mind here trying to understand what's happening between us! And you're telling me not to think about him?" My voice was barely a whisper, filled with frustration.
She simply smiled again. "Trust. Just trust."
Trust?
How many times had I heard that before? And why were they all smiling as if they knew something I didn't? Did they not understand what I was feeling? What I was thinking? I had so many questions—why did he show up only now? Was it really him? And why did he disappear just as quickly?
Why? Why? Why?
I tilted my head back and let out an exasperated sigh. "You're so frustrating! If I don't see you tonight, I swear, I might just start crying."
"Good evening, everyone! Before this wonderful night ends, we have prepared a special performance from our very special guest. Please give him a round of applause..."
My attention snapped to the stage. The audience erupted into applause, but I turned away, unwilling to listen to anyone tonight.
Unless it was him.
Only his voice mattered.
I closed my eyes. I miss you, Spade.
(NP: YOUR LOVE BY ALAMID)
You're the one who never lets me sleep, from my mind down to my soul, you touch my lips...
A bittersweet smile formed on my lips as I heard the familiar voice singing.
You're the one that I can't wait to see, with you here by my side, I'm in ecstasy…
I'm all alone without you, my days are dark without a glimpse of you…
Annoying.
I miss you so much.
I miss you so much that even your voice is haunting me through someone else's.
I was about to tilt my head back, trying to stop the heat welling up in my eyes, when my gaze landed on the stage.
My heartbeat instantly stuttered.
But now that you came into my life, I feel complete, the flowers bloom, my morning shines, I can see…
I knew my ears could deceive me, but my eyes? Never. I shot to my feet.
Your love is like the sun that lights up my whole world, I feel the warmth inside… Your love is like the river that flows down through my veins, I feel the chill inside…
I felt frozen in place when our eyes met.
Every time I hear our music play, it reminds me of the things we've been through…
As he stepped off the stage and began walking towards me, my heart pounded even harder.
I glanced at Ren, Ten, and Ella, who were now grinning knowingly at me.
Did they all know about this?
In my mind, I can't believe it's true, but in my heart, the reality is you…
I turned back to the man singing, now only a few steps away.
At that moment, I wanted to get mad at myself.
Was this real? Or was I just hallucinating?
I am all alone without you, my days are dark without a glimpse of you…
My heartbeat raced as I finally confirmed—it was really him.
But now that you came into my life, I feel complete, the flowers bloom, my morning shines, and I can see…
When he smiled at me, a small sob nearly escaped my lips.
Your love is like the sun that lights up my whole world, I feel the warmth inside… Your love is like the river that flows down through my veins, I feel the chill inside…
The moment he stopped in front of me, my tears fell freely.
This wasn't an illusion.
He was really here.
"S-Spade?" I choked out, laughing through my tears.
Without warning, he pulled me into a tight embrace. "Xyrine Jean… what did you do to me?"
"Why does every day without seeing you feel like I'm dying?"
I couldn't help but smile. "You're so corny," I said, laughing while crying at the same time.
"I thought you weren't coming back." My grip tightened on his sleeve.
"When I say wait for me, you wait for me. No matter what happens, I'll always come back." My heart pounded faster as he gently lifted my face to meet his gaze.
"Xyrine... I missed you."
Clap. Clap.
The sudden applause snapped me back to reality. I quickly pulled away from him, realizing that everyone around us had started clapping.
"Good thing you finally showed up, Spade, or else Ren and I would have stolen your girlfriend for good," Ten teased with a smirk.
"Next time, don't leave her alone. Because if you do, we'll make sure you have no girlfriend to come back to," Ren added.
Spade shot them both a serious look. "The two of you… thank you for taking care of my wife."
Tears threatened to spill again. I wanted to punch him in the stomach for being so cheesy, but I didn't get the chance because he quickly wrapped an arm around me and led me to a table.
As soon as we sat down, I nearly jumped when he leaned his head on my shoulder, his arm resting comfortably around my waist.
"Spade, was that really you earlier? Why are you only here now?"
"Shhh. I'm sleepy."
"But—" I pouted.
"Xyrine."
"What?" I snapped.
"You're so stunning. I can't believe you're mine." His voice was serious, making me look away immediately.
"You sound like a broken recor—" I started, but before I could finish, he buried his face into the crook of my neck.
"Hey! Spade! What are you doing? Someone might see us!" I whispered in panic, trying to push him away, but he was solid as a rock.
"Give me a little more time. I'm really tired."
"Tired? Of what?"
"Shhh. Don't talk. Just let me sleep."
With a sigh, I gave up, letting him do as he pleased. My gaze softened as I looked at him.
Dark circles lined the bottom of his eyes.
What had he been doing to make him look this exhausted?
"Spade… why do you have eyebags?"
"Your fault."
"And how is that my fault?" I frowned.
" You kept me awake all night, I mean, I've been thinking of you the whole fvcking day," he murmured softly. "I guess, it's my fault."
Ugh. He's lucky his good looks saved him, or else I would've pinched him for all this cheesiness.
"Xyrine…"
"What?"
"You're addicting."
My brows furrowed. "What is?"
"Your scent." He buried his face deeper into my neck.
"Just go to sleep. You're spouting nonsense," I whispered, but I couldn't stop myself from smiling.
As the night went on, the music in the ballroom slowly shifted into soft love songs. I watched as couples swayed together in the center of the room, looking so sweet and in love. I wanted to dance too but..
I turned to Spade, who seemed fast asleep, looking very tired.
A warm smile just spread across my lips. "It's fine if I'm stuck with you tonight. It's fine if you use my shoulder as a pillow all night long. Just don't leave me again," I whispered, knowing he wouldn't hear me.
I glanced back at the dance floor, but then something odd happened—the music suddenly stopped. I ignored it, thinking the event was about to end.
I turned to wake Spade, but to my shock, he had let go of me and stood up.
"It's time," he said seriously.
I frowned. "Time for what?"
My eyes widened when, instead of answering, he suddenly took a step back and bowed in front of me.
"May I have this dance, My lady?" he asked, bowing slightly as he extended his hand toward me.
"Wait, Spade. The dance is already over. There's no music playing anymore, see? And everyone's about to leave," I whispered, feeling my cheeks heat up as I noticed the curious gazes of the other students around us.
"Do you trust me?" he asked, his serious eyes locking onto mine.
Argh! Whatever!
Taking a deep breath, I smiled and replied, "Of course, my king," before standing up and offering him a graceful bow in return.
"I guess we'll be dancing without music then," I murmured as we walked toward the center of the room.
He didn't respond. Instead, he simply smiled—a knowing, almost mischievous smile that made my brows furrow in confusion. Then, without warning, he lifted his hand and snapped his fingers.
As if on cue, the lights dimmed, casting a warm, golden glow over the space. And just like that, the music returned.
(Now Playing: "Statue" by Lil Eddie. Ah, this is a classic.)
Oh yeah, oh yeah, ohh yeah…
My lips parted slightly in astonishment, but before I could say a word, Spade gently placed both of my hands on his shoulders.
"You're standing too far away…"
I barely had time to react before he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer. A gasp escaped me, and when I blinked, I found our foreheads nearly touching.
My heart pounded erratically against my ribs.
When a day is said and doneIn the middle of the night and you are fast asleep, my loveI stay awake looking at your beauty,Telling myself I'm the luckiest man alive…
"Xyrine, do you know what the word 'miracle' means to me?" he asked, his gaze never wavering.
"W-what?" I swallowed hard, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Your name," he said with a soft smile, and my heart nearly stopped.
"Hah, you're crazy," I laughed, shaking my head.
I'm like a statue,Stuck staring right at you…
"I heard what you whispered earlier," he continued, his voice lower now, almost intimate. "When you said it was fine if you got stuck with me tonight." He paused. "Xyrine, would I be selfish if I wished for you to be stuck with me… not just tonight, but for the rest of our lives?"
My breath hitched at his words.
Smiling, I whispered back, "For a lifetime, Spade."
Ask myself why are you even with meAfter all the shit I put you through?Why did you make it hard to leave me?It's like you're living in an igloo…
"Xyrine, I'm ready to let go of everything I have, as long as you don't let go of me," he murmured, tightening his hold on my waist.
I looked up at him, my pulse racing. "Spade, what are you trying to say?"
Every single day of my life, I thank my lucky starsGod really had to spend extra time when He sculpted your heart…
He exhaled deeply and met my gaze with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.
"I said…"
I waited, heart hammering. "What?"
"I really love you,"he whispered, closing his eyes for a moment as if savoring the words.
Don't wanna lose you, no…Stuck like a statue…
"When you're here."
"When I see you."
"When I touch you."
"But most of all, when I'm holding you like this…"
When it is said and doneIn the middle of the night, when you're fast asleep, my love…
Time seemed to stand still as he lifted his head, his gaze piercing into mine.
"I'm the luckiest man alive."