Chapter 29：•PUZZLING QUESTION

"Even hell will not accept you, Ace," I told him without filters hoping the words will leave a sting in his cold, black heart. "The Devil will not want a rival in your form," I added, my narrowed eyes never once left his face.

"If you hate me that much, just kill me Phoenix. Take my life as a payment for the sins I committed." He replied without even blinking an eye. Maybe I was right, Ace lost his sanity already. I should not wonder, it runs through his family.

"Even if I kill you over and over again, it will not change a thing. It will never set things right. My daughter's life could never be revived." I said painfully, gritting my jaw, fury was boiling inside me. 

I did my best to conceal the pain but it was impossibly hard to hide what I felt especially after recalling the way Vien died, the emotion glittered in my eyes, tears made my vision blurry.

Ace's hand clutched my fingers firmly and lifted the gun until the tip was pointing on his forehead. Fear engulfed my heart, I almost stopped breathing when he pressed the gun into his temples.

I was freaking out within but my face gave no clue of the thoughts running wild inside my head. I knew the gun was loaded, the thought only added to my fear. What if I accidentally pulled the trigger? That will make me a murderer.

"I'm sorry." His tone was soft ad apologetic. Thankfully he lowered the gun and secured it inside the car's compartment. He must have sensed the fear looming inside my wide-open eyes.

I let go of the breath I didn't know I was holding. Relief washed over me and I felt the colors return to my face. 

"You're sorry will not change a thing. Too late for that." I spat harshly, pain flickered into his ocean blue eyes. I was surprised he was capable of pain. I thought he was cold, numb, and unfeeling. It was too late for him to feel regrets.

"I know you will not forgive me. But I wish someday you will." 

"Let's see if time could heal the wound in my heart Ace. Just leave me alone from now on. Maybe in time, I will learn to forgive you."

His face hardened, the emotions that had been lurking on his face vanished in an instance. He turned as blank as paper as if nothing happened at all. He did not say a word. He turned the ignition and focused his attention on driving. He never once threw me a glance.

It was pure torture being in a complicated with Ace. He was now my ex-husband. I reminded myself. All the feelings I have for him should not be entertained anymore. Instead, I should banish them into oblivion. 

He will forget about me too. I smiled bitterly, ignoring the stinging pain in my heart. After Ace married Angela, his whole world will revolve around her..... And his child. All thoughts of me will vanish from his mind.

I leaned on my seat and shifted my attention outside the hustle and bustle of the cars outside the window. For a while, I found myself entertained by the sight which was a total bore if I weren't trying to avoid looking at my now ex-husband.

Five years. That's how long we've been married. The life that started with the word 'I do' in front of the altar has now ended after I signed my tickets to freedom.

The car finally pulled into a stop. I spaced out and I didn't immediately realize we already reached my apartment. The run-down exterior of the building greeted my eyes when I looked up.

I prepared to leave, my fingers reached to open the door but Ace was quick enough to hold my fingers. I flinched when his touch burned my skin.

"I know we will never see each other again after this" He began, his tone achingly soft. I can't see his reaction since my back was turned to him. "As I promised I will never bother you again. Please take care of yourself Phoenix. I'm sorry for all the mistakes I made. I shall forever pay for them."

Ace paused as if the thing he would say next was extremely painful for him. I heard him take a long, deep breath before continuing. "The night you run away from our home, the night Vien died in a car accident, I am not the man you saw on my bed with another woman. I know you will never believe me but you have the right to know." His hold loosened, my fingers fell to my side.

I pushed the door open and clambered out. The engine roared to life and sped away. The car was gone for a while now but I was still standing there, with a paper blank expression, my emotions were numbed inside.

I firmly closed my eyes. I don't know if I should believe Ace or not. I don't know what to believe anymore.