Falling in Love with Mr. Jax (Unveiled Tales: De Vera Series #1)

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 11

Nakangiti kong pinagmamasdan ang kwintas na ngayo’y nakasabit na sa aking leeg. The sunflower pendant gleamed softly against my skin, catching the light as I moved. Halo-halo ang aking nararamdaman—may saya, may kaba, at may konting takot. ‘Di ko maintindihan kung bakit parang ang saya ko kahit hindi naman dapat. It was supposed to be just a fake relationship, but something about this moment felt so real.

“It suits you, babe,” sabi ni Jaxon, na nakatingin sa akin na parang may ibang kahulugan ang mga salita niya. There was a softness in his eyes that made my heart skip a beat. It was as if he wasn’t just talking about the necklace, but something more—something deeper.

Napalunok ako sabay kunot ng noo, “Huh? Babe ka diyan? Jaxon, kapag tayo lang dalawa ang magkasama, hindi mo kailangang magpanggap na tayo.”

“Right,” he nodded, his smile widening. “But I can’t help it, you look even more beautiful when you wear it.”

“So, hindi pala ako maganda kung ‘di ko ito sinuot?” I raised my right eyebrow and crossed my arms.

He grinned widely, shaking his head. “Don’t be silly, Sky. Maganda ka kahit saang anggulo. I just noticed that you weren’t wearing a necklace, so I thought you might not like wearing one, but I still decided to buy it because,” he glanced at the necklace before returning his gaze to me, “it reminds me of you.”

I felt my cheeks heat up and quickly turned my head forward to hide it. “H-huwag mo kong dinadaan sa ganyan,” sumandal ako sa upuan. Naku, Sophia delikado ka na!

“I’m telling the truth, Sophia. Do you know why it reminds me of you?” I turned to him and shook my head, my eyes locked on his as I waited for him to continue. “Sophia,” he began softly, “your name means wisdom, and sunflowers symbolize loyalty, warmth, and happiness. Just like a sunflower always turns to face the sun, you bring light into the lives of those around you. That’s why the necklace reminds me of you.”

As I heard Jaxon’s words, my heart fluttered, and I couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading through me. It was strange, really—how a simple explanation about a name and a flower could evoke such deep emotions. Wisdom. He thought I represented wisdom, something as radiant and steadfast as a sunflower turning towards the sun.

I’ve never seen myself that way. Strong, maybe. Resilient, sure. But wise? Jaxon’s words made me pause, like he saw something in me that I didn’t even recognize. The way he spoke, it was as if he believed in me, in the strength and clarity I wasn’t sure I had.

I glanced down at the necklace now resting against my chest. It suddenly felt heavier, more significant. Jaxon saw me—really saw me. And as much as I tried to keep my guard up, there was a part of me that wanted to believe him, to accept that maybe, just maybe, I was capable of being someone like that.

And in that moment, I realized, I wasn’t just wearing a piece of jewelry; I was wearing his faith in me.

Ilang sandali pa ang lumipas sa katahimikan, hanggang sa makita namin sina Micah at ‘yong kaibigan ni Jaxon na lumabas ng building. Nagmadali akong bumaba sa sasakyan at nilapitan sila. They both stopped walking when they saw me, and Jaxon followed, getting out of the car and standing beside me. Napatingin si Micah sa kwintas na suot ko at pilya itong ngumiti.

“Look at that, tuloy na tuloy na talaga,” sabi niya, na para bang ang tinutukoy ay ang pagpapanggap namin ni Jaxon bilang magkasintahan.

Tinignan ko siya ng masama, na para bang sinasabing huwag na niyang gawing big deal ‘yon. Binaling ko ang tingin sa kasama niya na nakapamulsa lang, at pagkatapos ay muling tinignan si Micah. “Pakilala mo naman boyfriend mo, cous,” ngumisi ako.

“Boyfriend?!” she sneered. “Hindi naman kami,” prangka niyang pag-amin. “His name is Jherik at kaibigan siya ng kasama mo.” Kahit kailan talaga, ‘tong pinsan ko parang nasa kalye lang kung magsalita. Sumulyap ako kay Jherik, na pilit ang ngiti—pero ano ‘tong nakikita ko? Hurt? Nagkakagusto na ba siya sa pinsan ko?

Narinig kong tumikhim si Jaxon kaya napatingin ako sa kanya. Tinapik niya ang aking balikat at marahan itong hinaplos. “It’s getting late, you guys need to rest,” he said, his voice gentle but firm.

I pointed to the side of his lips, “‘Yong sugat mo, lagyan mo ulit ng gamot kinabukasan,” I said, concerned.

“Yeah, don’t worry,” he replied with a reassuring smile.

***

“Manhid ka ba?” tanong sa akin ni Micah habang naglalagay ng sheet mask sa mukha. Pareho kaming naghahanda para matulog, ngunit naisipan ng pinsan ko na gawin muna ang skincare routine niya, kaya nakigaya na rin ako. Kaya kami ngayon ay nasa sala, dahil matagal-tagal na rin akong hindi nakakagamit ng pampaganda ng balat.

“Ako ba ang tinatanong mo niyan o ang sarili mo?” sinagot ko siya habang umangat ang gilid ng labi niya. “Kung nakita mo lang si Jherik kanina, Micah. He was hurt when you bluntly said you weren’t a couple.”

“Oh, shut it! We made it clear to each other na walang mahuhulog sa aming dalawa, and our relationship will be purely about s*x, nothing more.” She grinned and rested her chin on the palm of her hand. “Iniiba mo ang usapan, Sky. My question still stands—if only you saw how Jaxon was staring at you with so much adoration and love. In love na siya sa'yo, girl!”

“Please, Micah, ayoko munang isipin ‘yan. Ang gusto ko lang ngayon ay maipakilala si Jaxon bilang boyfriend kina Mama para matapos na yung pag-pressure nila sa akin.”

Micah raised an eyebrow, sensing the weight behind my words. “You’re really not considering the possibility that he might actually have feelings for you? Na kaya siya nag-propose ng fake relationship ay dahil may nararamdaman siya para sa'yo, pero ayaw niya lang siguro aminin muna dahil sa personal problem mo.”

I sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. "I don't know, Micah. Naguguluhan ako sa nararamdaman ko. Ayoko pang isipin kung ano ang nararamdaman ni Jaxon o kung anong mangyayari sa amin."

Micah leaned back, her expression softening. “I get it, Sky. But you have to admit, Jaxon isn’t just some random guy you picked for this. There’s a reason why you’re feeling conflicted about him. Maybe it’s because he means more to you than you’re willing to admit.”

I bit my lip, unsure of how to respond. Jaxon wasn’t random at all. He was kind, thoughtful, and yes, undeniably attractive. But the thought of us having a real relationship seems vague for now.

Just then, my phone buzzed on the coffee table. It was a message from Jaxon, asking if I’m already asleep.

Micah saw the message and smirked. “See? He’s checking up on you already. You sure you don’t want to explore what’s there?”

I rolled my eyes playfully but couldn’t suppress a small smile. “Maybe… But right now, let’s just focus on getting through this plan without any complications.”

Micah grinned, her mischievous nature returning. “Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you when things get more complicated than you expected.”

As I typed a quick reply to Jaxon, my thoughts drifted to what Micah said. Maybe this plan was a bit more risky than I’d initially thought, but for now, it seemed like the best way to navigate the pressures from my family.

Nang pumasok ako sa aking kwarto, hindi pa rin ako tumitigil sa kakaisip. Humiga ako, ngunit isinandal ko ang ulo ko sa headboard ng kama. Kasabay ng tunog ng cellphone ko, natanggap ko ang chat mula kay Jaxon na nagtatanong kung bakit, bilang tugon sa mensahe ko kanina na hindi pa ako natutulog.

Me:

Nag-usap pa kami ni Micah. But I’m in my room now.

Jaxon:

Is it about what we saw earlier? I already talked to Jherik about it.

Me:

‘Di naman na kailangan, but thank you. Ayoko na rin manghimasok sa

sa buhay ng pinsan ko. Magulo na nga ‘yung akin, dadagdagan ko pa.

Jaxon:

I understand, Sophia. But remember, you don’t have to handle everything on your own now. If you ever need to talk or if there’s anything I can do to help, I’m here for you.

Sumilay ang ngiti sa aking labi. I never thought that this situation would ever happen to me, and I don’t even know if I can stop myself from falling for him.