That Wasn't A Very Common Occurrence

Oddly, Ace wasn't as worried about the outcome of the trial as he was about how Cora would handle having to testify and pretending to be in a relationship with him when that was the last thing on earth she wanted to do. He was on edge all morning before going to the courthouse. 

When he got there and first saw her, she was frozen in fear because she could feel her worthless excuse for a father's eyes on her. He knew this was a bad idea!

He had to intervene. At the very least, he had to let her know that he had her back because she was going miles out of her comfort zone right now in order to have his. She put on a brave act but he could tell she was lying when she said she was okay. 

Ace hated seeing Cora upset. That impulsive forehead kiss was for his benefit as much as it was for hers.