Chapter 6: Surprise

Stella

WHAT SHOULD I ANSWER HIM? Until now, I was just stunned and shocked by what he said. It’s also one of the things I dislike most about Jaxon. straight to the point when speaking, he would say what was on his mind.

Does its mouth have no brakes? He suddenly startled me!

"You're not scared? What if one day everyone finds out? Even if we're doing it now it's dangerous even if it's just the two of us." I said in a nervous tone but he just smiled at me and stroked my cheek again.

"I'm also scared, Stella. But I want to give our relationship a try. I don't want us to be awkward with each other."

So I blinked hard and sighed loudly. I even bit my lip before speaking again.

"Why are you willing to take a risk with me, Jaxon? When the time comes for them to know all our secrets, will you leave me?" I asked boldly so I saw he was confused and stunned.

"No, I will protect you, Stella. I will protect you. That's why this is a secret marriage because I want to protect your career and yourself. You're too soft to their harsh words, Stella."

His speech was slow but you could see there the certainty in the words he left out. At least I was very thoughtful. Am I willing to take a risk on our marriage? What if it doesn't work? Who will be hurt too much? It would be me.

Because even in the short time I was with Jaxon, I knew in myself that I had feelings for him.

And I'm scared that Jaxon wouldn't be there for me when I fall for him. So I was hesitant to gamble.

We are both single. No third party. Even though we're both single and don't have a third party, he might like someone else. What is one-sided love? I am the only one who will love in case my feelings deepen.

"Did someone order you to do this? Did Dad order you?" I couldn’t stop questioning him so I saw the intense irritation pass through his eyes.

His jaw clenched before answering my question.

"Damn. Why would I do that, Stella? I just want our marriage to work. What's wrong with my question?" I could feel the restraint in his voice so I couldn’t help but walk away from him a bit and let the tears form in my eyes.

That's not the way I want to convey to Jaxon. It's just… I'm traumatized when it comes to my father's actions and words.

I remember before, someone approached me and made friends with me. I treasure and treat them fairly but I just found out that Dad just instructed them so that he would know my attitude towards other people and how I treated them.

Because of that, when someone approaches me and does something good for me, I always ask them if my dad is involved. That's the reason why I don't trust someone again because of my dad. I'm scared of trusting someone again.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you, Jaxon. It's just… I'm scared that my dad is involved again in this kind of stuff. Because of him, I'm scared that someone will break my trust again. " I made a weak promise and there I sobbed in front of him.

Although embarrassing, I did that to him. I've been hiding it for a few years and for the first time I told Jaxon. Maybe I’ve become comfortable with him as well, except for my Manager.

I could just feel him wiping the tears from my cheek and his light hug. I didn’t know what had joined me and I still hugged him back.

For the first time in my life, I felt strange emotions when I hugged him. His hug… his hugs feel like home. It feels like home to me.

"Hush now, Stella. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for cursing, I didn't mean to say it too. I was just shocked. Hold on. Your Dad has nothing to do with this. This is my own decision, baby. You're safe with me. Calm down now, Stella. You're safe with me. "

My tears automatically stopped when I heard those words from him. Feeling relieved, exhausting. My loud sobs suddenly subsided. The fear that was building up in my chest suddenly disappeared. The tense air suddenly calmed down.

And there is only one thing on my mind at these times. I'm safe now. I'm safe with him. He’s the only one who makes me feel this way. And I’m already scared of how I feel because it’s getting deeper and deeper.

So when I broke my hug with him I quickly smiled in front of him. Because I did that his eyebrows rose.

"Stop pretending that you're okay, Stella." He said that's why I was just pissed. I could not escape his gaze on my lips and his forceful swallowing.

"And stop pouting your lips. I'm gonna kiss you if you do that again." He was threatening so I quickly removed my nausea and smirked at him.

"It's okay if you can't take a risk on our marriage yet, Stella. I know you're shocked. I don't want to rush you, I want when I'm asked again you're sure." I could feel the determination in the words he was uttering so I couldn’t help but admire him even more.

There you are again, Jaxon. You make my heart beat faster again. I won't be surprised if one day I end up falling for you.

"You don't have to say that, Jaxon. I didn't say anything against what you said. All I'm worried about is your career. You worked hard just to aim for this position, Jaxon. And just because of me and me. Our secret marriage will only make you lose your dream. " I explained, so he was stunned and shook.

"You're wrong, Stella. Even if they find out my best-kept secret, they won't lose me. I am born in this position, baby." He made a windy promise and even winked at me. So I scolded him for what he did.

"Exactly. Your title suits you. Jaxon Azrael Buenaventura, the handsome billionaire." I raised an eyebrow and he nodded.

So when I remembered what we were talking about I was serious again and stared into his hazel brown eyes.

"Just like you, Jaxon. I also want to take a risk in our marriage. I don't even know what will happen the next day but I still want to meet you, Jaxon. Let's work on our marriage.". After I said that I turned my back on him.

Whatever will happen, you must embrace yourself, Stella. Embrace yourself.

…

"So you agreed?" My Manager was curious so I nodded softly.

Earlier, I couldn't help but tell the story of what happened between Jaxon and me two days ago. Since I was comfortable with my Manager, I didn't hesitate to tell the story.

"Stop hitting me!" When I shouted, she hit me hard with a fan on my arm. I was almost dizzy when she shook me so I moved away a bit.

"So, after you agreed, what happened? Is your secret marriage working?" She emphasized what she said at the end so I couldn’t help but smirk.

"He became sweet." I honestly said and she screamed again. "I mean, he's a sweet person but he's become sweet now. He's become more vocal about his feelings and sometimes I find it weird." I explained so she slapped her hand hard on the table and pointed at me with her fan.

"Wow, Stella! For you he's weird? You have a Jaxon Buenaventura who is vocal and then you're saying he is weird? My Gosh!" She was hysterical so I couldn't stop hitting her.

"You know me, Lara. I'm not a vocal person, just saying I love you makes me embarrassed. I'm still letting Jaxon know that I like him, do you think I can do it?" I couldn't stop myself from expressing what I thought so her eyes widened and she shivered even more.

I, on the other hand, bit my lip and averted my gaze. You're great, Stella. You destroyed yourself.

"When did you like him?" She asked again so I could do nothing but answer. I haven't said anything yet. I shouldn't lie anymore.

"Last week. Because of what he shows me, little by little I am falling in love with Jaxon."

"But are you sure that you are taking a risk to your marriage, Stella?" She asked again so I was stunned for a moment and later smiled.

"I'm sure about my decision, Lara. We get to know each other better when we take a risk. Also, it's okay to take a risk than to regret it when you didn't take a chance. " I promise so I felt her hug me.

"I'm so proud of you, Stella. You're such a mature woman now. Happy 28th birthday my baby girl."

Suddenly I was separated from his embrace and held to my chest when I remembered my birthday today. Maybe because of the amount of endorsement and photoshoot I forgot about today’s important day. So I looked at the calendar and just laughed.

July 28, 2021. Wednesday. Happy birthday, myself.

"Oh my gosh, I forgot. Thank you for reminding me, Manager. I love you," I cried because she still had a cake in her hand. I also saw tears forming in her eyes so we laughed.

"You're always making me proud, Stella. For the past five years of our friendship, always remember that I'm here for you, okay? Happy birthday again!" She happily promised and hugged me again.

Even my birthday is private. I just don't like it because there are too many scenes every time I have a birthday. It's better that only a few know and at least they are true.

After we celebrated and had a little party with the company I decided to go home. When I looked at the time it was only seven o'clock. It's still early.

Has Jaxon been home yet? My parents have already gone home too? Because they didn't text me and they did not greet me exactly at my birthday so it was frustrating. Every birthday they always greet me but now they don't.

Maybe they are busy Stella. Just understand them. They have their own responsibilities too. So I just sighed heavily and drove home.

Does Jaxon know it's my birthday today? It hurts to hope he knows your birthday, Stella. Maybe I'll just wait for his greeting.

So I took a deep breath and when I got home I was just wondering because the light was not on yet. Maybe Jaxon hasn't come home yet and maybe he's busy in his office. So I had no choice but to accept that I would celebrate my birthday alone. But it's okay, there are still years and days. Maybe I can be with them again.

Even though it was painful for me to celebrate my birthday alone, I turned the lock on our door. When I turned on that light my world suddenly stopped for a while because of the sight in front of me. The person I was just looking for, is now in front of me.

Jaxon holding a cake and smiling broadly at me.

"Happy birthday, wife."