Chapter 5: Taking Risk

Stella

I AM AN EXCEPTION TO HIM? But why? I didn't get it. So I adjusted my seat again and looked at him seriously again. I want to know. I want to hear him explain.

"Why?" My answer was short and I was almost out of breath when he approached me. With only a little space left, the rest of us will stick together.

"Jaxon, I'm asking you. Why am I the only exception?" I asked again but he just stared at me and it moved to my lips. I don’t know but I was nervous at the stares he gave me.

"Can I kiss you, Wife?"

My brain almost flew at his question. My lips parted in shock and disbelief staring at him. Gosh, what are you saying Jaxon? Instead of answering me, he did this.

"What-" I just interrupted when I felt his soft lips on my lips. My eyes widened, my body grew cold. It was as if my soul had fled.

Even my heartbeat quickened. I no longer knew what was going on around me. I’m too floated by what Jaxon is doing right now.

His earlier light kiss deepened even more. Whatever my restraint I could only feel my gradual response to his kiss. This is the second time around when we kiss. The first was when we got married, the second is now.

Even though our lips were touching, I could feel his smile. I didn’t know what merged with me and I responded. You two are married, Stella. What's wrong there? But it's just an arranged marriage and you don't know how Jaxon feels about you.

Pull yourself together, Stella! Push him away!

I was about to push him but I just felt the loss of his lip and that's when I woke up. I think all the blood in my body went up to my cheek. I can already feel the criticism on my cheek.

"Why? Why did you kiss me?" I’m fainting but I can’t help but question. I saw the reflection of his small smile on his lips while caressing my cheek.

"Because you're my wife and I can't stop myself from kissing you. You are irresistible, Stella. You are so beautiful."

As he said this, his stare was deep, which made my heart go crazy again at what I heard. I don’t know if I will believe him or not. He was really hard to read.

"Jaxon!" I shouted when he kissed my neck and hugged me tightly. I just really want to pass out from what he's doing now.

Is he dealing with something right now?”

"You smell so sweet, my Wife. Good night. Have sweet dreams." After he said that he slowly left the hug and leaned over me. I could even feel him quickly stealing a kiss from me.

When he turned off the light on the side table, I was shaking and touched my lip. To this day I can still feel his lips. His lips are so soft and sweet. I admit it.

But I wonder, why did he do that? Because we're married? Or maybe he just tripped me? But whatever it is, I hope it will not harm me in the future.

That's why I need to always let my guard up. I didn’t even know what Jaxon was planning should I be ready. Maybe I can feel what I should feel. It’s hard, I might just lose in the end. So before I finally closed my eyes I reminded myself first.

Don't let yourself fall to him, Stella. Don't.

… 

I was just shocked when I woke up. When I went down to the kitchen, I saw Jaxon cooking. He is now home and wearing a maroon apron. I don’t know but I smiled at what I saw.

"Good morning." I broke the silence so he quickly looked at me and smiled. Because he did that my heart reacted again.

Heart, calm down. Don't be a flirt.

"Good morning, Stella. How's your sleep?" He asked softly and I saw him lower the stove once closer to me. I was surprised when he wrapped his two arms around my waist.

I, on the other hand, have my knees almost tender. Fortunately, he hugged me so that I would not fall again.

"It's good. You do not have work today?" I was curious and I thanked him when he left, hugging me and went back to what he was cooking.

"Rest day time. You? Don't you have a photoshoot today?" He asked again so I stood beside him and my mouth watered when I saw what he was cooking.

"Hmm… nothing. We're the same. I have a rest day today." I answered with a smile so he nodded.

"That's great! After we eat we're going somewhere." He said so I stared at his clear face.

It's been three weeks since I married him. And in the three weeks we’ve been together I see the real Jaxon. On camera and in magazines he is serious but when it comes to it he is always smiling and laughing.

Maybe he's good at pretending when he is in public places. So maybe he was also told to be mysterious. This man is also naughty. Sometimes he's sweet but sometimes he's too mysterious. You also can’t read the emotions in his eyes.

"Is my dish delicious? Just the right taste?" He asked when he would give me a shrimp so I got a thumbs up because it was delicious.

"Perfect," I admit so for the first time I saw the joy and amazement in his eyes. And I wonder what emotion is this.

"But you're the only perfect for me, Stella."

I almost choked on my saliva because he said so. I was stunned for a moment and didn't notice that I felt a thrill at what he was saying. I gasped and tried to laugh.

"I'm not, Jaxon. By the way, where are we going?" I change the subject and turn around to sit at the table. I felt his obedience.

"Secret." He said and winked at me. Because of what he did, I was left dumbfounded and speechless.

What's with you, Jaxon? Why are you doing this to me?

…

"WOW! Is that true ?!" I wondered when I saw the place he had brought me today. The two of us were on an ice skating rink.

I don’t know why he brought me here so I quickly approached him and asked.

"Why are we here? What if later someone sees us." My voice was full of fear so he smiled at me and gently stroked my cheek.

"Calm down, Stella. No one can see us. I closed this for the two of us." He answered, causing my lips to part and I couldn't help but strike him on the arm.

"That's why you dared to come here. By the way, why are we here? I don't know how to skate." I admit that's why he laughed while I frowned.

"Don't laugh at me, Jaxon. I'm serious, what am I going to do? I'll just watch you skate there?" I was irritated by the question so he stopped and quickly grabbed my hand.

"I'm sorry. I just want to go with you since you want to do it. When you went to Korea, you couldn't ice skate because you got sick." He said so my eyes widened at what I found out.

"How did you know? I didn't tell you anything? And yes, I wasn't with you because I got sick. You're very upset with them because they didn't wait for me." I said while pouting and saw his small smile again.

"Your dad told me. So I closed it because I want you to experience it. Don't worry, I will guide you on how to skate. Trust me." He still smiled in response so I excitedly nodded and held his hands.

When I touched it I felt thousands of electricity. I just felt it now so my heart started beating faster again. I was momentarily stunned by his face when I saw it up close.

"Try to relax, Stella. Slide your right shoes first and then your left. Then just balance," he preached so I nodded and did what he said.

At first, I was nervous because I might suddenly fall. Maybe later Jaxon won't catch me, it's still painful not to catch.

"Hey Jaxon, maybe when I fall you won't catch me," I threatened but just raised the corner of his lip and went in front of me.

"Maybe I'm the one you won't even catch when I fall." He answered so I smirked at him and grabbed him by the waist.

"Why would I even catch you if you know how to do this." I jokingly said so his lips parted and he couldn't believe he looked at me so I raised an eyebrow at him.

So when I tried alone I couldn’t immediately balance. Fortunately, Jaxon was quick and he touched my waist. Because of what happened we laughed together.

As he laughed I just watched him. He is more handsome when laughing and smiling. That's why it's nice to watch him when he smiles or laughs because of the comfort of his face.

"This is the first time I saw you laughing." I couldn’t help but say so he stopped and stared into my eyes.

"It's because of you."

So I turned around and patted him lightly on the chest. "Bolero." I was about to leave but he tightened his grip on my waist so his face came closer to mine.

"Stella, let's give our marriage a try. I want to take risks in this marriage."